India will listen to anti-GMO activists, but make science-based decision on GMO mustard

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis.

Moving ahead with the government’s call to have wider consultations before taking any decision on commercial release of genetically modified (GM) mustard, the central biotech regulator has invited representatives of anti-GM organisations to present their views and concerns in a specially convened meeting here on [July 18].

The regulator, Genetic Enginnering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), will thereafter scientifically analyse all the details to be provided to it by the eight-member anti-GM group including experts, farm activists and farmers’ representatives.

“The GEAC will take its call only on the basis of scientific evidence,” said an official. Other aspects including socio-economic nature/impact of the commercial release of GM mustard or any such crops will also be a deciding factor. . .

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If the decision finally goes in favour of the commercial release of the GM mustard in due course, it will be the first food crop to be cleared for cultivation in India. At present, only GM cotton (Bt Cotton) – a non-food crop- is allowed for commercial cultivation in India.

Read full, original post: Activists to present their anti-GM mustard stand before central regulator on Monday