The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has given the green signal for cultivation of GM Mustard in India. It is the environment ministry that has to now give its approval. If approved GM mustard will become the second crop after cotton to be cultivated in India and the first food crop. In December 2015 the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), Delhi University South Campus, had applied to the GEAC for the environmental release of GM mustard (Brassica Juncea) hybrid DMH-11. Now one has to wait and see what decision the environment ministry makes because earlier it did not clear the cultivation of Bt Brinjal.
GEAC gives Green Signal to the Cultivation of GM Mustard in India, opposed by Anti-GM Groups
It was Deepak Pental a well-known genetics scientist and ex-vice chancellor of the Delhi University who had filed the application with the GEAC for the commercial release of GM Mustard. A sub-committee of the GAEC has examined the safety aspect of GM Mustard and already given its approval stating that GM mustard is safe for human consumption and also for the environment.
However, a number of environmentalists, anti-GM groups and think tanks like Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) have opposed the cultivation of this transgenic variety of mustard.  The argument put forward by the SJM is that GM Mustard is not a high productivity crop and therefore growing it will not be helpful in bringing down oil imports. They have stated that the existing ‘desi’ or native varieties of mustard have higher productivity than this newly-developed GM Mustard. The SJM are planning to write to the PM Narendra Modi as well as the environment minister with a request to reject the GEAC recommendation. SJM are also of the opinion that since the matter is pending before the Supreme Court the recommendation has no meaning.
However it is ‘Sarson Satyagraha’, a broad platform of hundreds of NGOs that represent farmers, consumers, scientists and others that has vehemently opposed the approval given by the GEAC for GM Mustard; their argument being that it is herbicide tolerant. The ‘Sarson Satyagraha’ has called the GEAC approval unscientific and uncaring about citizens’ health. Also it is likely to impact a large number of Indian farmers, agricultural workers and consumers. They feel GM Mustard is unneeded and will only lead to an increase of chemicals in foods and farms. There is also a possibility that commercial cultivation of GM Mustard will impact other agricultural sectors like beekeeping, orchards and even Ayurvedic medicines.
On their part the environment ministry has stated that the GM mustard plants are as safe and nutritious as regular mustard. The Government through a FAQ has stated that in terms of nutrition and taste it is similar to traditional mustard. It is also not likely to have a detrimental effect on milk production in cattle if it is used as feed.
However while the arguments for and against the cultivation of GM Mustard go to and fro the country waits the final word on its commercial production. If approved, GM Mustard will become the first transgenic food crop to be cultivated in India.
