The Indian Government promulgated rules for dealing with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products in 1989. These rules define the authorities. They also elaborate the implementation structures for conducting research and for the commercial application of GMOs. The major Indian developments in GM crops include work on transgenic cotton, Indian mustard, oilseed rape, tomato, brinjal, cauliflower, cabbage, potato, tobacco, chilli, bell pepper and rice. Research on GMOs is monitored by the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) which stewards the generation of biosafety data, starting from the laboratory to contained greenhouse experiments to small-scale contained field trials. RCGM also authorizes the import/export/transfer of transgenic materials for research use only. The biosafety data required to be generated include: rationale for the development of GMOs, details of their molecular biology, comparison of germination rates and phenotypic characteristics, study of gene flow, invasiveness and weed formation possibilities, susceptibility to diseases and pests, effects on non-target organisms and food safety evaluation. Agronomic evaluation is also undertaken. The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee provides authorization of GMOs for commercial release based on the biosafety evaluation data.