The Centre has demanded more tests for genetically modified mustard, a year after clearing the crop for “commercial cultivation.”
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, the apex regulator of genetically modified crops, in a March meeting said that in light of several representations both “for and against” the release of GM mustard, there was need for more tests.
“Applicant may be advised to undertake field demonstration on GM Mustard in an area of 5 acres at 2-3 different locations with a view to generate additional data on honey bees and other pollinators and honey, and on soil microbial diversity,” said the minutes of the meeting made public on the May 13.
Activists said the demand fell short. “What about the fact that GM mustard has never been tested as a herbicide tolerant crop, for its environmental and health ramifications…a point that has remained unaddressed by the regulators,” the Coaltion for a GM-Free India queried in a statement.
The clearance for GM mustard had been mired in confusion. On May 12, last year the then GEAC chairperson, Amita Prasad, said that the crop had been recommended for cultivation. In October, government did a volte-face and said there was an “inadvertent error” in the announcement regarding mustard and said that “…subsequent to receipt of various representations from different stakeholders, matters related to environmental release of transgenic Mustard are kept pending for further review.’’
Union Environment Minister, Harsh Vardhan — who had the final say on the matter said that wider consultations on the release of the crop were needed.
Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11), the transgenic mustard in question, had been developed by a team of scientists at Delhi University led by former vice-chancellor Deepak Pental under a government-funded project.
