Supreme Court to Hear Challenges on GM Mustard Cultivation Approval

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-17 08:50:01 |

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The Supreme Court of India is set to hear challenges concerning the commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) mustard on April 15, 2025. This follows a split verdict on the Centre’s 2022 approval for the environmental release of GM mustard, with the court directing all parties to submit their written arguments.

Genetically modified crops are plants with altered genes to improve traits like yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value. India has previously only approved Bt cotton for commercial cultivation, but the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has now recommended GM mustard for similar use. Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), the first indigenously developed GM mustard, is a hybrid of Indian mustard 'Varuna' and East European 'Early Heera-2.' It includes genes from the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, enhancing its yield by approximately 28% over the national average.

The GEAC, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, assesses the environmental impact of GM organisms and oversees their trials. However, public concerns about GM crops are growing. Activists and NGOs have called for a moratorium on GM releases until proper bio-safety protocols are in place, urging for transparency and independent risk assessments.

The Supreme Court's involvement emphasizes the ongoing legal and environmental debates surrounding the future of GM crops in India.

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