The approval and commercialization of GM mustard remain contentious in India, with ongoing debates among scientists, policymakers, farmers, and environmental activists. Read here to learn more.
Proponents argue that GM mustard could significantly boost oilseed production, reduce import dependence, and improve farmer incomes.
Opponents call for more comprehensive assessments and caution against potential health and environmental risks.
The Supreme Court on July 23, 2024, pronounced a split verdict on the validity of the Centre’s 2022 decision granting conditional approval for environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard crops.
The Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol however asked the Centre to formulate a national policy about GM crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce in the country.
Genetically Modified Mustard in India
Genetically Modified (GM) mustard is a type of mustard plant genetically engineered to enhance certain traits such as yield, pest resistance, and herbicide tolerance.
In India, DMH-11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11) is the prominent GM mustard developed by the University of Delhi’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP).
- Developer: DMH-11 was developed by Dr. Deepak Pental and his team at the University of Delhi.
- Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) was developed by hybridising the Indian mustard variety ‘ Varuna’ and ‘Early Heera-2’ (Eastern European variety).
- Traits: The key traits of GM mustard DMH-11 include higher yield and resistance to pests and diseases. It incorporates the use of the Barnase-Barstar system for hybridization, which prevents self-pollination and promotes cross-pollination, leading to higher yields.
- Components:
- Barnase: A gene from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens those results in male sterility.
- Barstar: Another gene from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that restores fertility in the hybrid seeds.
Regulatory and Approval Status
- Regulatory Body: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible for the approval of GM crops in India.
- Approval: After rigorous field trials and safety assessments, GEAC recommended the commercial release of DMH-11 in 2017. However, the approval faced legal and regulatory challenges, delaying its commercialization.
Benefits
- Higher Yield: DMH-11 is reported to have a yield advantage of about 25-30% over traditional mustard varieties.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Enhanced resistance to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Herbicide Tolerance: Allows for better weed management, which can contribute to increased productivity.
Concerns
- Biodiversity: Concerns about the potential impact on biodiversity and the environment, particularly the effect on non-GM mustard varieties and related species.
- Health: Skepticism regarding the long-term health effects of consuming GM mustard oil and products.
- Socio-Economic: The impact on farmers, including issues of seed sovereignty and dependence on biotech companies for seeds.
Supreme Court’s Split Verdict on GM Mustard
Recently, the Supreme Court of India delivered a split verdict on the validity of the Centre’s decision to grant conditional approval for the environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard crops.
This decision has significant implications for agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental policy in India.
Key Points of the Verdict
- Split Decision:
- The Supreme Court bench, consisting of two judges, issued a split verdict, meaning they had differing opinions on the matter.
- As a result, the case will be referred to a larger bench of three judges for a conclusive decision.
- Contention Points:
- The primary issues in the case include the safety and environmental impact of GM mustard, the adequacy of regulatory processes, and compliance with biosafety norms.
- Proponents argue that GM mustard can increase crop yields and reduce dependency on oil imports.
- Opponents raise concerns about potential risks to biodiversity, health, and the environment, as well as the integrity of the regulatory process.
- Regulatory Framework:
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which is the regulatory body for GM crops in India, granted approval for the commercial release of GM mustard in 2017. This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court by environmental groups and activists.
- Future Proceedings:
- The three-judge bench will now re-examine the case, considering the split verdict and the arguments presented by both sides. The decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of GM crops in India.
Implications
- Agricultural Policy: A ruling in favour of GM mustard could pave the way for the introduction of other GM crops, potentially transforming India’s agricultural landscape. A ruling against it could reinforce the moratorium on GM food crops and emphasize stricter biosafety regulations.
- Environmental Concerns: The decision will influence how environmental risks associated with GM crops are managed and perceived. It will also affect India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Economic Impact: The outcome could impact India’s oilseed production and import policies, influencing economic decisions related to agriculture and trade.
Way forward
Research and Ecological Impact Studies: Conducting thorough research to understand how GM mustard affects non-target organisms, such as soil microbes, insects, and other plants, is crucial. This involves:
- Field Trials: Setting up extensive field trials to monitor biodiversity impacts over several growing seasons.
- Ecological Monitoring: Implementing continuous ecological monitoring to track changes in the ecosystem, ensuring that any negative impacts are promptly identified and addressed.
Adaptive Management Strategies: Developing and implementing adaptive management strategies involves:
- Risk Management: Establishing protocols to mitigate identified risks, such as buffer zones to protect non-GM crops and wildlife habitats.
- Policy Adjustments: Regularly reviewing and updating policies based on new scientific findings and environmental changes.
Food Safety and Human Health: Performing detailed risk assessments to evaluate the allergenicity and toxicity of the novel proteins introduced by GM mustard. This includes:
- Allergenicity Tests: Conducting laboratory tests to determine if the new proteins could cause allergic reactions in humans.
- Toxicity Studies: Performing both short-term and long-term toxicity studies to assess any potential health risks.
Long-term Monitoring: Investing in long-term studies to monitor the impacts of GM mustard on food security and crop diseases. This includes:
- Food Security Impact: Assessing how GM mustard affects food production and availability.
- Crop Disease Monitoring: Observing any changes in the prevalence of crop diseases in fields planted with GM mustard.
Case Study – Bt Cotton in India: The successful adoption of Bt cotton in India can serve as a model. It involved:
- Pest Resistance: Bt cotton has shown resistance to certain pests, leading to reduced pesticide use.
- Economic Benefits: Increased yields and reduced crop losses have provided economic benefits to farmers.
Equitable Access and Seed Rights: Ensuring that all farmers have equitable access to GM technologies and the rights to save and exchange seeds. This includes:
- Policy Implementation: Creating policies that protect traditional farming practices and ensure fair access to GM seeds.
- Farmer Autonomy: Promoting farmer autonomy by involving them in decision-making processes related to GM crop adoption.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Enhancing the capability of institutions involved in regulating and testing GM crops. This involves:
- Training Programs: Providing training for regulators on GM crop assessment and monitoring.
- Laboratory Enhancements: Improving laboratory facilities to ensure accurate and reliable testing of GM crops.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Enhancing the methods used for data collection and analysis to support informed decision-making.
Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement: Establishing transparent regulatory frameworks that include:
- Public Involvement: Engaging the public and stakeholders in consultations to gather diverse perspectives and concerns.
- Transparency: Making regulatory processes and decisions transparent to build trust and credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is GM mustard?
Ans: GM mustard hybrid technology refers to the use of genetic engineering to produce mustard hybrids using the barnase-barstar gene system. Mustard is a predominantly self-pollinating crop.
Q. Is GM mustard allowed in India?
Ans: The government has approved the release of GM mustard decision has been challenged and the Supreme Court has delivered a split verdict on the matter as of July 2024. A larger 3 judges’ bench will deliberate on the validity of the release.
Q. Does GM mustard allow cross-pollination?
Ans: GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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