GM rice

FE reports:

Indian rice exporters are concerned over the growing rejection of genetically modified (GM) across the world. Recently producers in major rice exporting countries - Thailand and Vietnam -signed agreement to keep GM rice out of cultivation. The All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) has woken up to the situation and have asked the government not to allow any field trials or commercial cultivation of GM rice in the country. They say that the retention of the country’s image as producer of non-GM foods would largely boost the prospects of rice exports.

“Country earns millions of dollars in foreign exchange due to export of rice. India’s long grain aromatic rice - basmati has a premium market abroad,” said RS Seshadri of Tilda Riceland - a major exporter of basmati rice.

Concerns are probably real, but i wonder what's the need for government to step in and stop field trials or commercial cultivation?