factor on the issue.
Earlier, the environment ministry had received over 700 comments from various stakeholders, including farmers and researchers, on the Assessment of Food and Environmental Safety( AFES) report on GM Mustard, which it had earlier posted on the ministry website.
The Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants( CGMCP), Delhi University South Campus, had submitted an application to the GEAC for the environmental release of GM mustard( Brassica juncea) hybrid DMH-11 and the use of parental events( varuna bn 3.6 and EH2 mod bs 2.99) for the development of a new generation of hybrids.
The application was submitted in 2015 after which several rounds of meeting were held by the regulator. The subcommittee also convened meetings with experts and also heard the views of various NGOs. There were lot of protest and walkouts.
The concerns raised against GM mustard, are that it would impact allied sectors such as beekeepers, orchards and ayurvedic medicine makers and practitioners.
The environment Secretary and Chairperson of GEAC, Mrs Amita Prasad, was quoted in press saying that it was a unanimous decision with no dissent and all concerns around safety and the need for such a plant were discussed by the most eminent experts. She said it was important to approve GM technology as it is scientifically relevant as well as generate better seeds to address threats from climate change.
So, it is clearly the industry, scientists in overwhelming numbers and bureaucrats on one side versus the activists and environmentalists on the other.
The question that is hanging fire is whether India would ever get a clear policy over GM crops or it will find a place in deep freezer to get into a comatose position along with its cousin, the Bt Brinjal! Only time will tell!
KEY FACTS
• The Bt Cotton is the only GM crop( non-edible) that has been allowed in India so far.
• The GM Mustard( edible) was developed by an institute at Delhi University
• The other edible crop, Bt Brinjal was cleared in 2010 by GEAC but the decision was blocked by the then government
• Earlier, the environment ministry had received over 700 comments from various stakeholders
• India wants to raise its oilseed output because it spends over Rs 65,000 crore annually on importing cooking oil, an item that stokes inflation.
BIOVOICENEWS. COM 55