December 8, 2022
Abir Ranjan Biswas’s Special Mention on the need for further studies before rolling out GM mustard
Sir, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee has approved the roll out of a kind of genetically modified mustard (GM Mustard) called Dhara Mustard Hybrid 11 (DMH-11). Concerns have arisen that the hybrid has not been adequately tested and that releasing it would be detrimental to pollinators like bees. Researchers have warned that the strain is herbicide resistant and will lead to increased herbicide use resulting in more chemicals in food crops and soil. It is estimated that even a 25 per cent adoption of GM mustard would result in a loss of four crore employment days to weed removing workers, who are mostly women. Spread of sterile traits and herbicide tolerance in GM crops can benefit corporate manufacturers, but adversely affect nearby farm lands. Experts have argued that the testing procedure was not scientific and hence the claims that GM mustard has higher yields than traditional and natural agronomic cultivation methods are incorrect. Agriculture is a State subject, under Entry 14 of List II in Schedule VII. The Union Government must uphold principles of federalism when taking decisions which expose our farmers to chemicals and GMOs. Prematurely sowing GM Mustard will
have drastic consequences on India’s poor farmers, consumers, and the environment.
