An important outcome of the elucidation of the double helix structure of DNA is the beginning of the science of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering has made it possible to transfer genes across
sexual barriers. However there are several of environmental, biosafety and other problems associated with the technology. Therefore, we must have a very good mechanism for measuring risks and benefits. The report
submitted to the Government over ten years ago, one of us (MSS) had pointed out that, “The bottom line of our national agricultural biotechnology policy should be the economic well being of farm families, food security of the nation, health security of the consumer, biosecurity of agriculture and health, protection of the environment and the security of national and international trade in farm commodities”.