GM mustard row: Hasty call on genetically modified crop could spell disaster; govt must consider long-term effects

Government needs to go slow on the issue of rolling out GM mustard, in order to take a considered view based on both domestic and international concerns. But, given the fact that the government’s premier think-tank, NITI Aayog, has strongly recommended technology-aided practices to increase agricultural productivity and the government-controlled GEAC has given the go-ahead for the introduction of GM mustard, it was only a matter of time before the environment ministry, in particular, and the government, in general, was expected to issue formal sanction for the roll-out of the first genetically modified crop in the country. Bayer’s application at that point was turned down because the Indian Council of Agricultural Research said that their field trials “did not give evidence of superior yield.” The SJM letter goes on to say: “As is well-known, the hybridisation of GM mustard is achieved by means of the two genes barnase and barstar. The fact that Bayer owns the patent of the genes used in Pental’s mustard has been deliberately concealed from the people of India.” Having demolished the swadeshi tag of GM mustard, the SJM letter goes on to present the financial implications of going ahead with the product: “Not only that GM mustard is based on Bayer’s patented barnase-barstar gene system, for which royalty shall be paid, it is said to promote usage of glufosinate, a herbicide from which Bayer will benefit the most through its existing brands.” Clearly, Pental’s team and the promoters of the Bayer company will have a lot to answer for. The SJM has made two important points in this regard: “The GM crops are injurious to honey bees, as has been proved the world over… honey bees are important not only for producing honey but also for increasing agricultural yields.” The second point it has made is regarding the long-term effect of using the herbicide: It would “make the land under GM mustard cultivation and substantially the adjoining areas unfit for other crops.” This has serious environmental implications.