Agriculture scientists came out in the open on Monday, backing the indigenous genetically modified mustard, which they said would lead to the creation of better and high-yielding hybrids.
The National Academy of Agriculture Sciences (NAAS), with 625 members, adopted a resolution on the commercialisation of GM mustard, seeking immediate release of the crop in the field.
[T]he academy also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, backing the indigenous GM crop.
Developed by researchers at the Delhi University, GM mustard had received a regulatory approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee — India’s highest regulator for biotechnology products — under the Union environment ministry [May 2017].
The final decision, however, is pending with Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan.The modified variety, DMH-11, has 20-30% higher yield than the mustard hybrids approved by the government as the benchmark varieties (national and zonal checks).
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Scientists back GM mustard, say will help create better hybrids
