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