
This came as the Bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol delivered a split verdict on the Centre's 2022 decision to conditionally approve the environmental release of GM mustard (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-DMH-11). The approval reignited the long-standing debate over GM crops. Proponents argue they are essential for India's food security, while critics highlight concerns over agricultural distress, environmental and biodiversity risks and potential threats to human and animal health. With the Union government now formulating a policy, Shagun speaks to experts on what it should entail. The experts emphasise on the need for a democratic, consultative process.
“GM not the only solution for crop improvement”
SOMA MARLA
FORMER PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, NATIONAL BUREAU OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES
Unlike other modern biotechnology products like vaccines and dna- or protein-based drugs, GM crops in Indian agriculture have been mired in controversy since their introduction. GM cotton and the proposed herbicide-resistant mustard and maize are engineered by introducing foreign genes that enable plants to produce pesticides and herbicides. Unfortunately, these synthesised plant toxins do not discriminate between harmful pests and beneficial organisms like bees, killing both.
Despite extensive scientific evidence showing that GM plants harm soil, water, the environment and human health, policymakers and the government continue to push the technology.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

Invisibilised localities
AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY ON THE NETWORKS, CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND OBSTACLES FACED BY RESIDENTS OF JHUGGIS AND TRANSIT CAMPS WHILE DEALING WITH EVICTION POLITICS AND INEQUALITIES IN DELHI

TUNNEL VISION
Bengaluru's civic body must ascertain suitability of the city's geology before moving ahead with its tunnel road project for seamless travel

SAFETY IN CIRCULARITY
Global standards of water availability show that India is water stressed. Reusing treated wastewater can augment water supply while solving the problem of its safe disposal. FARAZ AHMAD and SUMITA SINGHAL analyse wastewater management practices of 16 cities in seven states to understand the challenges and potential areas of reuse

AGAINST THE GRAIN
India's two most valuable timbers-sandalwood and red sanders-have long been bound by restrictive regulations designed to curb illegal trade. Encouraged by the government decades ago with promises of windfall profits, farmers took to commercial cultivation, investing years of patience and effort. Now, as they prepare to harvest, a harsh reality is setting in-the promise of big profits is not quite holding up. HIMANSHU NITNAWARE travels to 19 villages across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to explore the reasons

Guardians of forest
Communities across Maharashtra take on the mantle of biodiversity conservation; replicate sacred groves on common land

Climate talks
Anil Agarwal Dialogue 2025 sees discussions on the state of India's environment, energy ambitions and emerging health threats

Mission for inclusion
Vidya Rajput leads the fight for transgender community's rights and acceptance in Chhattisgarh

Ready for power shift
An unprecedented drought forces hydropower- dependent Zambia to diversify its energy portfolio, embrace solar power

THE GREAT FARM HUSTLE
Agroforestry is fast emerging as a win-win strategy to mitigate climate change and improve farmers' income. It is particularly so in India, home to one-fifth of the agroforestry carbon projects in the world. Over the past months ROHINI KRISHNAMURTHY has travelled to almost 20 villages across the country to understand how this market works. At all locations, she finds that communities and their land and labour are central to the projects. But they do not always benefit from the carbon revenue

CAN AGROFORESTRY CREDITS BE SAVED?
Ensure that farmers benefit from the carbon revenue and stay protected against market failure