GEAC approval to GM mustard paves way for transformation of Indian agriculture

The long-awaited approval of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to the GM mustard has brought two good news for India. First, the genetically modified (GM) variety of mustard will help the country achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils by boosting overall productivity. Second, it will facilitate the release of other crop varieties developed through genetic engineering. This would help us attain food security and nutritional security in an expedited manner. The GEAC’s landmark decision has approved a food crop for commercial release for the first time. India has so far allowed commercial cultivation of non-food Bt-cotton crop varieties. The GM mustard variety, known as Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH)-11, had faced fierce opposition that was purely based on unfounded and unscientific reasons. Since the technical body of the GEAC has approved it, the case of GM mustard appears vindicated, clearly showing the edible oil crop is safe for human consumption and the ...