A verdict on the cultivation of genetically-modified (GM) hybrid mustard has been delayed by the biotechnology regulator.
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has requested further bio-safety related information from the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants at Delhi University, the developer of the hybrid mustard.
About the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is an agency under the Ministry of Environment that oversees the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The Details:
- The GM variant, known as DMH11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid 11), is believed to produce 25-30% more mustard-seed yields than the top performing varieties presently cultivated in India.
- The hybrid underwent Biosafety Research Level-1 (BRL-1) examinations in 2011-12 and 2012-13, in Rajasthan, coordinated by the National Research Centre for Rapeseed-Mustard at Bharatpur, and BRL-2 tests at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute in Delhi and the Punjab Agricultural University in the 2014-15 season.
- In 2010, Bt brinjal received the final approval from the GEAC, however, an indefinite moratorium was imposed on that decision by the then Environment Minister, which is still in effect.
- The GEAC has delayed its decision on Mustard DMH11 by a few months.
- The GEAC has outlined a time-specific “roadmap” for making a final decision on DMH11 mustard, which includes public consultations.
