Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
We, a group of concerned Indian economists, write this open letter to express our strong support to the commercialization of GM mustard. By bringing hybrid vigour, GM mustard seed breaks the yield barrier leading to higher yields. Hybridization is a well-known and accepted way to increase yields and has done so for diverse crops such as cotton, maize, sorghum and vegetables. GM mustard has been successfully evaluated for food safety, environmental safety and agronomic superiority by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the Government of India. Several public sector institutions conducted research trials on their safety and efficacy, apart from the fact that this technology has been in use for the last two decades in Canada, United States and Australia without any adverse consequences. There is, therefore, no reason to deny the technology to our farmers.
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GM mustard is an achievement of the Indian public sector. Its release will encourage and empower researchers in the public sector to bring in advanced quality traits in mustard as well as in other crops.
We request you to consider this appeal in taking further decisions on GM mustard in the light of avowed objective of doubling farmers’ income.
[See the full list of letter signees.]
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Thirty-three Agricultural Economists Write to PM for Approval of GM Mustard
