Experts in genetically modified product research have revealed that they petitioned the central government in July to increase the production of genetically modified crops.

More than 60 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering signed the petition and submitted it to the government, said Li Ning, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at China Agricultural University.

Speaking to China Daily on Sunday, Li, who also signed the petition, described the GM crop situation in China as "extremely grave".