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WHAT IS GM MUSTARD?

GM Mustard

In October 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) recommended the environmental release of the genetically-modified (GM) mustard (Brassica juncea) variety DMH (Dhara Mustard Hybrid)-11 for the development of new generation hybrids, paving the way for the commercialisation of the country’s first GM food crop. The GEAC said that the commercial use of DMH-11 hybrids will be subject to the Seed Act, 1966, and related rules and regulations.

Genetically-modified plants are developed to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally. The DNA of the plant is modified using genetic engineering to produce the GM plant varieties which can be grown as food crops or non-food crops.

According to South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), "GM mustard is likely to have beneficial effects on honey bee population based on their relatively enhanced foraging behaviour resulting in increasing honey production and income of beekeepers in mustard growing areas. In GM mustard, hybrid DMH-11 is fully fertile with pollen viability similar to the parental line Varuna and has fully developed nectaries. Around 50-60 per cent of the total production of honey in India is mustard honey, which makes the crop vital for the survival of the honey industry".

Mustard cultivation

Mustard is one of India's most important winter crops which is sown between mid-October and late November. The Indian mustard (B. juncea) is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Mustard is cultivated by around 6 million farmers in around 6.5-7 million hectares of land across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

DMH-11 has been shown to deliver 30 per cent higher yields than existing varieties. The average yield of existing mustard varieties is around 1,000-1,200 kilograms per hectare, while the global average is over 2,000-2,200 kgs.

What is DMH-11?

Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 or DMH-11 is a genetically-modified variety of mustard. The DMH-11 has been developed using the genetic male sterility (GMS) technique especially 'barstar-barnase' system to make herbicide resistant.

Concerns

GM mustard has been a subject of intense political debate in the country with both pro- and anti-GM activists placing their claims and counterclaims vigorously. Environmental activists and the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, an affiliate of the RSS, have opposed the move and urged the government to not give final approval.

Worried that a genetically modified mustard crop would impact honey production in India, honey cultivators have opposed the GM mustard variety and asked the government not to approve it for commercial cultivation claiming that it may adversely affect the livelihood of lakhs of farmers.

The DMH-11 mustard variety is herbicide tolerant, allowing farmers to spray over the crops with weed killer without harming the crops. This has raised fears that farmers may resort to excessive use of toxic herbicides which can lead to weeds becoming resistant to them and the emergence of so-called superweeds. Critics are also concerned about herbicide residue on GM crops.

What is GEAC?

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), established under the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), is the apex body, notified under Rules 1989, of the Environment Protection Act 1986 for approval of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental safety angle. The GEAC is also responsible for the approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials (Biosafety Research Level trials-I and II also known as BRL I and BRL II).

LATEST UPDATES ON GM MUSTARD

GM mustard not developed as herbicide-tolerant, Centre tells SC
Top court says it is it is more concerned about the risk factors of GM Mustard| January 24, 2023, Tuesday
GM Mustard: It's risk factor which concerns us more, observes SC
The Supreme Court observed on Tuesday it is more concerned about the risk factors than anything else when it comes to the ...| January 24, 2023, Tuesday
GM Mustard won't solve India's edible oil import problem, says Ashok Gulati
Gulati says he is in support of GM mustard, but to say that it will solve India's problem of edible oil imports is a stretch| January 11, 2023, Wednesday
Govt rebuts activists claims on violations in GM mustard appraisal
The Union Environment Ministry on Saturday rebutted the claims made by activists that statutory regulations were violated during ...| January 07, 2023, Saturday
2022: When high prices ate into rural earnings more than in urban areas
War, weather and excess liquidity impacted Bharat, though year-end saw things looking up a bit| December 30, 2022, Friday
GM mustard (DMH-11) may not solve India's edible oil import problem: ICAR
Indian Institutions engaged in developing GM seeds for 13 crops| December 23, 2022, Friday
What is a genetically modified crop? And why is it important to India?
The govt has cleared the 'environmental release' of a genetically modified variety of mustard. The move has been challenged in ...| December 20, 2022, Tuesday
Skewing the mustard field: The Yellow Revolution's revival needed
Claims that GM mustard will lead to increased yield are incorrect; we must focus on other solutions| December 13, 2022, Tuesday
A welcome shift
GM crops will boost yields| December 13, 2022, Tuesday
GM mustard safe for food, feed use and cultivation, says govt
Says GM technology important for food security, import reduction| December 08, 2022, Thursday

WHAT IS GM MUSTARD?

GM Mustard

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