SEEDS OF SORROW

THE PRESSURE OF FOREIGN POWERS CAN CAUSE HUGE DAMAGE TO THE COUNTRY'S AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND EXPORTS. IN SUCH A SITUATION, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY BY REJECTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF GEAC IN THIS MATTER

On October 18, 2022, a Committee of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India named Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), once again recommended the introduction of DMH-11, a variety of GM Mustard, in the farmers' fields. It is worth noting that earlier in May 2017 also GEAC had given its green signal to the same variety. But due to intense opposition from farmers and scientists, the Government rejected the recommendations of GEAC. It is being claimed that this variety has been developed by Prof Deepak Pental and is completely indigenous. It is also being claimed that this GM Mustard will give 26 per cent more yield. It is also being said that the production of edible oils in the country is extremely deficient, due to which the country is losing valuable foreign exchange in imports of edible oil. It is also being claimed that GM Mustard is safe for consumers, farmers and the environment.

But the veracity of these claims of GEAC is becoming clear from the fact that GEAC itself has imposed certain conditions while allowing GM Mustard, which proves that GEAC itself is not convinced about the safety of this seed. There is no proof, whatsoever, about the safety of GM Mustard; and they want to avoid the allegation of side effects by imposing conditions, that in future they can say that we allowed GM Mustard only with certain conditions. Since those conditions were not followed, they were not at fault. It is worth noting that it is not practical for the government to make farmers adhere to the conditions imposed.

THIS VARIETY IS NOT SWADESHI