The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), India's regulator for GM crops, on Thursday May 11,2017 cleared the Genetically Modified(GM) Mustard for commercial use in the country and recommended its approval to the environment ministry.
In a submission to the Environment Ministry, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has given a “positive recommendation but with certain conditions”
The GEAC's recommendation came amid opposition by anti-GM groups, including RSS-affiliated bodies
RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), who criticised the move, daid allowing the commercial use of GM mustard would impact allied agri-activities.
Some anti-GM activists asserted that in okaying the commercial use of GM mustard, the GEAC has "yet again proven" to be "unscientific and uncaring" to the health of citizens.
They said Environment Minister Anil Madhav should uphold BJP's manifesto promise that GM foods will not be allowed and reject the GM mustard "just like the Bt brinjal variety was rejected seven years ago"
If approved, mustard would be the first genetically modified direct food crop to be commercially launched in India, after the failed attempts with Bt brinjal. So far, GM cotton is the only crop which has been allowed in India.
With its green signal, the GEAC has pushed the hybrid plant developed by scientists at the Delhi University closer to becoming the country's first edible GM crop.
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