What Exactly is DMH-11?

DMH, or Dhara Mustard Hybrid, is the name given to this genetically modified crop. It follows GM cotton as the second crop of its kind to be approved for environmental introduction in India for seed production and testing.

• DMH's standout feature is its herbicide resistance, making it tolerant to herbicides.
• Researchers at the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), Delhi University, are credited with its development.
• The hybrid contains two foreign genes from a soil bacterium known as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
• The scientists used the barnase-barstar GM technology and an Indian mustard variety 'Varuna' along with an East European 'Early Heera-2' mutant to create DMH-11.
• Three significant genes, Bargene, Barnase and Barstar, all derived from soil bacterium, are contained in it.
• It promises to be a high yielding variety of the mustard crop.
• The introduction of this crop could potentially help India become self-sufficient in oil production and reduce the need for imports. Currently, over half of India's edible oil demand is met through imports, making it the world's leading edible oil importer.

Concerns Regarding DMH-11

While the approval of DMH-11 is a significant step, the long-term environmental impacts of this decision have not been adequately considered.

• The details of the trial and its impact on food safety and environmental sustainability were not made public before its approval.
• A comprehensive assessment of the social and economic impacts of these crops is still pending.
• Studies have shown that the introduction of herbicide-resistant crops can have negative environmental impacts, as evidenced in countries such as the US, Australia, Canada and Argentina.
• The spread of herbicide-resistant weeds across farmlands is a notable consequence of these crops, which could lead to long-term problems.
• There are concerns that the seeds of this crop cannot be used for regeneration, forcing farmers to purchase new seeds for each planting season.
• There's also a risk that these crops could disrupt species diversity.
• There are ethical issues regarding the mixing of species through genetic modification.
• The production of GM crop seeds is controlled by a small number of companies, creating a potential for monopoly and price manipulation.

What is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?

The GEAC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC).

• The committee is responsible for the introduction of any GM crop into the environment in India.
• The committee is headed by the Special Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, with a representative from the Department of Biotechnology serving as a co-chair.

In conclusion, while GM crops like DMH-11 hold promise for improved yield and potential self-sufficiency, their long-term impact on the environment and society needs careful consideration. A thorough study of GM crops is crucial before their introduction into the environment.