The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is updating its rules for scientists. This comes after a recent issue concerning data from genome-edited (GE) rice varieties. The new guidelines will limit how scientists share their research findings. They will not be allowed to speak to the media or publish in certain journals without full confidence in their work.
The controversy started when the government announced the release of two GE rice varieties on May 4th. These varieties, named Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100 (also known as Kamala), were developed by ICAR. The government stated they could significantly boost production, improve climate resilience, and conserve water. The Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praised this development.
However, a group of experts, including scientists, farmer leaders, medical professionals, and consumer activists, questioned these claims. They are part of the Coalition for a GM-Free India. This coalition pointed to data from ICAR’s own All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice for 2023 and 2024. They argued that the data available from ICAR did not support the claims made in the official report.
ICAR responded to these criticisms with a detailed explanation, addressing each point raised by the coalition. Some scientists believe that researchers often rush to publish their work to gain recognition. This can sometimes lead to findings that are not fully supported by strong data.
One scientist noted that while the new rules might mean fewer research papers are published, they will help improve the overall credibility of the research. The aim is to ensure that published findings are thoroughly checked and robust. This move by ICAR highlights the importance of data integrity and careful communication in agricultural research. It seeks to build greater trust in the scientific advancements being made in the sector. The changes reflect a commitment to more rigorous scientific processes before research is shared widely.