Go with gm

Go with gm

Permit genetically modified mustard cultivation.
For the second time in seven years, India is on the threshold of introducing its first genetically modified food crop. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the environment ministry's top technical body to examine safety of GM crops, recommended this week commercialisation of mustard. The final call is with the government. Given NDA's promise of doubling farmers' income as well as India's dependence on import of edible oil, it must go with the recommendation.
GM mustard, developed by a Delhi University team, has been through extensive safety trials. Last year, the entire dossier of safety studies submitted by the Delhi University team was placed in public domain for review. Given the sensitivity of the issue, the 26-member GEAC has gone the extra mile. It made sense as Bt Brinjal which was cleared by GEAC in 2010 was held back by the previous government, following a sustained campaign against it by groups opposed to the introduction of GM food.
The government's immediate challenge will be to deal with an ongoing Supreme Court hearing on the veracity of safety tests for mustard. Last year, government had told the apex court it would wait for court's approval.Mustard is a winter crop which gives the government a window to prepare the ground for its introduction. The key to the introduction of GM mustard is NDA's willingness to withstand pressure from multiple lobby groups, including Sangh Parivar elements. Beyond following safety protocols and being transparent there is nothing more that can be done on the regulatory side.It is important to keep in mind that Indian agriculture is in dire need of an increase in yields and should therefore be open to introducing new technologies. That's why the government mustn't succumb to ideological lobbying.