Potential for GM Mustard Cultivation Rises as Government Pushes to Withdraw Undertaking

In a recent development, the Indian government has filed an application with the Supreme Court seeking to withdraw its oral undertaking from last year that promised to maintain the status quo on the commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) mustard. This move could potentially open doors for the cultivation of GM mustard in the country, despite resistance from activists and concerned parties.

The oral undertaking was given on November 3, with the understanding that the final hearing on the case would take place shortly. However, due to delays, the case remains pending in court. The government's fresh application emphasizes the significance of indigenous development of transgenic varieties for India's future food security and increased agricultural output. It argues for early resolution of the policy implications involved.

The government's application also highlights that the conditional approval granted in October 2022 should continue to progress while awaiting resolution. This approval is critical to allowing the central biotech regulator, the Genetically Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), to proceed with the "environmental release" of transgenic mustard (DMH-11) for seed production and testing. If the court accepts the government's argument, this could expedite the process of commercial cultivation of GM mustard.

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India has previously only permitted the cultivation of one transgenic crop, Bt cotton. However, the potential approval of GM mustard could mark a significant step forward for the adoption of genetically modified crops in the country. Once an adequate quantity of GM mustard seeds is produced, farmers might be allowed to begin commercial cultivation as early as the next growing season in 2024.

The government's application comes on the heels of the Supreme Court's observation earlier this year. The court expressed concerns about the level of awareness among Indian farmers regarding genetically modified crops compared to their counterparts in Western countries. It stressed the importance of precautionary measures before allowing the cultivation of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant mustard crops. In response, the attorney general highlighted that the decision-making process had spanned a decade and was based on thorough evaluation.

The Supreme Court bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan has deferred the hearing on the matter, as the application was filed recently and was yet to be served to opposing parties. The fate of GM mustard cultivation in India now hinges on the court's decision, which will determine whether the government can proceed with its efforts to potentially introduce genetically modified crops to the nation's agricultural landscape.

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