There is a misguided opposition to genetic engineering of foods
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Hyderabad: Noted scientist and former National Institute of Nutrition scientist Dr Mahtab Bhamji on Friday said that an independent nutrition monitoring mechanism in the country is needed. She also said there is a misguided opposition to genetic engineering of foods and batted for it saying it is needed in these times of climate change.
She was speaking at the National Conference on Vegetable Oils and Fats at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) held in the honour of the retiring Chief Scientist Dr R.B.N. Prasad.
Currently, the ICMR body National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) collects data on nutritional status and patterns in different states of the country. “We need an independent monitoring system to check nutritional status of different populations. The NNMB is collapsing and is on artificial respiratory system. It was to be shut down but has been given an extension by the ICMR,” Dr Bhamji said. She is currently an honorary scientist at the Dangoria Charitable Trust.
Dr Bhamji stressed on the fact that moderate malnutrition is still persistent among the majority population. “Dietary deprivation is higher in preschool children. Even iron deficiency anemia is prevalent in 70 per cent women and 50 per cent children. It is the hidden hunger,” she said.
Dr Bhamji also said that India was among the top producers of milk, vegetables and fruits but consumption of these is still very low. She stressed that the first thousand days of a child’s life are most critical and needs to be properly fed. She said there is a misguided opposition to Genetically Modified food.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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