The major perceived risks from plant biotechnology are the corporatisation of agriculture, damage to environment and emergence of unforeseen catastrophes. The proponents of the new technology, however say the risk of ignoring modern plant biotechnology will be greater than any feared risk. It is presented as the guarantor of a bright new world capable of producing enough for the growing populations.

The war is hotting up and the warfare is becoming more emotional, even to the extent of emotional blackmailing by both sides, and less scientific. In this context, noted agronomist and chairman of MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, MS Swaminathan says, ``informed debate on all issues of modern plant biotechnology is theneed of the times. This might go on for some years and within five years there might be balanced views and dependable systems and safe products.''

``We should neither worship the past nor fear the future. Let us not be tied down to the past. We can experiment with modern tools that would help increase food production and ensure food and nutritional safety to all. The modern biotechnology is to be perceived in this background,'' he adds.

Now the supporters of the new technology highlight the advantages brushing aside the perceived or potential risks. Its opponents are engaged in emotional counter attacks. They are unprepared to give the modern tools a chance for trial. Swaminathan has called for a scientific debate, not emotional outbursts, on all the issues related to modern plant biotechnology.

At a recent address at the Foundation, professor and director, Centre for Plant Biotechnology Research, Tuskege University, Albama, USA, also an ardent advocate of plant biotechnology, CS Prakash, dwelt atlength on the merits of the new technology. He also listed the perceived and potential risk factors.

The supporters of the utility of genetic intervention in agriculture says India is emerging as an agricultural super power. Already it is the largest producer of tea, tobacco, sugar, banana and groundnut and second largest producer of fruits, vegetables, cotton and rice.

At the same time, India has close to 30 per cent of its 900 million people starving or malnourished. A good number of scientists and planners suggest that modern biotechnology is the tool to reinvigorate Indian agriculture to ensure food and nutritional security to all Indians. They suggest that biotechnology is the continuation of the green revolution which is showing signs of fatigue.

Biotechnology can substantially reduce some of the ill-effects of green revolution by decreasing the use of pesticides and herbicides.

The other values of biotechnolgy, according to Prakash are decreased food spoilage, extended crop area, clean- upof environment, introduction of pharmaceutical proteins etc. Biotechnology helps floriculture industry and production of nutritious and functional foods.

Its potential is immense in revitalising agriculture, making farming more profitable by cutting down input costs and giving higher yields, adding value to local and export markets.

Besides all these it can empower the rural sector and decrease urban migration and all the ills associated with that.

Biotechnology can solve many of the problems unique to Indian agriculture like tanjore wilt in pepper, rust and borer in coffee, blight and shoot borer in rice, boll worm in cotton etc.

Biotechnolgy can also enhance biodiversity, the foundation for agricultural development, by bringing less area under cultivation for increased food needs, better post harvest technologies and crop preservation systems. The very fact that biotechnolgy is DNA shuffling imparts better knowledge of nature and its dynamics and evolutionary process. Non-governmental organisationsin all the countries that have introduced modern biotechnology are militating against it. They are even termed as `environmetal terrorists.' Their activism stems from the perceived and potential risks of modern plant biotechnolgy. The perceived risks of plant biotechnolgy are: