Why in news
The court recently issued a split decision on allowing genetically modified (GM) mustard for cultivation in India.
The verdict examines the safety and regulatory issues surrounding GM mustard.
The decision will affect the future of GM crops and agricultural biotechnology in India.
DMH-11 mustard
Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) is an indigenously developed transgenic mustard.
It is a genetically modified variant of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) mustard.
DMH-11 is a result of a cross between Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ and East European ‘Early Heera-2’ mustard.
It is developed under a publicly funded project at the Delhi University’s biotechnology department
It contains two alien genes (‘barnase’ and ‘barstar’) isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that enable breeding of high-yielding commercial mustard hybrids.
DMH-11 has shown approximately 28% more yield than the national check and 37 % more than the zonal checks and its use has been claimed and approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
“Bar gene” maintains the genetic purity of hybrid seed.
Status of GM crops
Cotton is the only GM crop currently allowed in India.
GM seeds for other food crops, including rice, wheat, tomato, brinjal, and mustard, are still under consideration
DMH-11 has passed trials and was approved by the GEAC in October 2022, subject to further tests.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental groups argue that DMH-11 is herbicide-tolerant, which could force farmers to use specific pesticides with potentially harmful environmental effects.
Debates
Justice Nagarathna criticized the GEAC for not following the ‘precautionary principle,’ while Justice Karol was satisfied with the approval process.
The case will be reviewed by a larger Bench led by the Chief Justice of India.
The Court ordered the Centre to develop a policy on GM crops, reflecting ongoing ideological and environmental concerns.
The controversy extends beyond agricultural metrics, focusing on the broader implications of adopting GM technology
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