By Ankur Aggarwal
On 11 May 2017, India’s regulator for transgenic products, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Environment Ministry, recommended approval for commercial production of GM mustard. If the Ministry grants permission, it will be a first for a GM food crop in India.
Controversy Surrounding GM Crops in India
GM crops have been a contentious issue in India for over two decades. After BT cotton was approved in 2002, India has not been able to approve any other genetically modified crop for cultivation. BT brinjal was cleared by the GEAC in 2010 but was put on hold by then Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh following protests from civil society groups. Activists convinced the government to put an indefinite moratorium on BT Brinjal, and now they want to do the same with mustard. They have has been threatening nationwide protest in case the government grants approval.
Arguments Against GM Crops
Anti-GM crop activists argue that the introduction of genetically modified foods could reduce biodiversity, so important for plant survival. They point out that corporations developing genetically modified seeds do not have the best interests of farmers in mind. GM seeds tend to be more expensive than conventional varieties and farmers have to buy them every year– they can’t be replanted.
Arguments in Favor of GM Crops
But those in favour say that the higher yield of genetically modified crops makes up for the higher cost of acquiring the seeds. They also point to an oft-cited, but misleading study used by anti-GM activists
The Case of GM Mustard
It is important to point out here that GM mustard has been developed, not by a multinational corporation, but by the Delhi University-based Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP).
Scientific Perspectives and Misgivings
It appears that there is a lot misgiving being deliberately created about GM mustard. Agriculture experts say that genetically engineered mustard is as nutritious as the conventionally grown varieties in India.
Health and Environmental Concerns
In addition, no ill effect on human health has been shown as a result of the consumption of GM food in the countries where they are approved. Experts contend that there is no evidence to suggest that the transgenes could be transferred to humans or animals through consumption of GE food.
Economic Benefits and Food Security
Concerns on the possibility of the genetically engineered plant getting introduced wild and necessitating increased use of chemicals in agriculture, too seem misplaced.
Positive Impact on Agriculture
The strongest argument in favour of GM mustard appears to be that the new variety promises higher yields. India is heavily dependent on import of edible oils (over 60% of India’s domestic requirement is imported) and a large portion comes from Argentina and Brazil which allows GM technology (in soybean and canola).
Potential for Agricultural Innovation
If one is to learn from experience, we can see that BT Cotton has benefited cotton farmers in a big way. They no longer have to contend with bollworm which used to plague the crop earlier.
National Interest and Indigenous Technology
Fears that a go-ahead for GM mustard will clear the door for powerful multinational companies and increase the use of toxic herbicide are totally misplaced. The technology is indigenous and funded by the government of India.
Towards Food Security
In a developing country like India, where agriculture, the backbone of the economy is heavily dependent on the vagaries of the weather, the introduction of a technology that promises better yields, reduced farm costs and higher farmers’ profits, makes sense. It could be a baby step toward India’s food security.
About the author
Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection
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