Decision on genetically modified Mustard after 'due deliberations': Government

NEW DELHI: Taking a cautious stand on approving commercial farming of genetically modified Mustard, government today said a decision will be taken after "due deliberations" amidst strong opposition by activists and farmers against the commercialisation.

After a meeting of Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the apex body that clears GM field trials in India, to deliberate on the feasibility of commercial farming of GM mustard, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said government will not rush through the decision on the issue.

"Today, the application for commercialisation of GM Mustard was there for consideration. We have sought some more information on certain aspects of the data. We will take due deliberations before reaching any decision and will not rush through the decision," the minister said.

His remarks came even as protesters staged dharna outside the ministry under the banner 'Sarson Satyagrah' and submitted a petition to him demanding that the government should not go ahead with commercialisation of GM mustard. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra also joined the protesters.

RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch is also opposing any move for commercialisation of GM mustard and has raised several technical issues including fears of cross-pollination between GM and non-GM crops.

Javadekar also clarified that today's meeting of GEAC did not intend to given permission to GM Mustard. "It was a rumour that we were giving permission today. There was no such agenda in the meeting," he added.

While the minister said public health will not be compromised, he did not rule out the use of science for increasing agricultural productivity.

"We cannot stop science from progressing. We cannot starve our population. There are other good alternatives of increasing our productivity like organic farming and using biotechnology for farming but at the same time the scientific methods are also important," he said.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had also sought explanation from the government on its proposed move to introduce GM Mustard.

"Court has asked us information on the issue and we will submit it in 15 days," the minister said.

Reacting to the allegation by activists and farmers that GEAC is going ahead on the issue in a secretive manner, Javadekar said the details that are legally important are duly provided.

"It is not a cricket match where regular commentary is required. Whatever is legally required is provided through our website," he said.