Bangalore: Environmental group Greenpeace has opposed the recommendations of the M S Swaminathan-led task force on application of biotechnology in agriculture saying the report favours agri biotechnology firms, without evaluating the consequences of genetically modified crops.

The task force headed by architect of India's green revolution Prof. M S Swaminathan recently submitted its report to the Centre and Greenpeace fears the vesting of power from the Genetically Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) to Indian Council of Agricultural Research would favour the industry, instead of farmers.

The international eco group is also critical of the report which allows the use of a gene construct of a plant, like the BT cotton gene which protects cotton varieties from boll worm, in other varieties of plants without being subject to same bio safety concerns.

"Each and every variety should be evaluated for bio safety concerns. This move is favouring BT companies," Greenpeace Scientific Advisor, Genetic Engineering Campaign Doreen Stabinsky said.

She said that Greenpeace globally opposes genetically modified crops maintaining that the technology has not yet been proven.

Greenpeace India Scientific Advisor Dr Ashesh Tayal warns that export potential crops like Basmati may be affected if GM crops are allowed to grow due to "cross pollination" and the country may lose on it in the long run.

"Once the technology is adopted, it is irreversible. We want the Government to be cautious and analyse the consequences before blindly taking it up," Tayal said.