GM mustard awaits a 'competent authority' as uncertainty surrounds

Uncertainty surrounds the second attempt to introduce the genetically modified oilseed

Even as the Supreme Court has called for status quo on planting genetically modified (GM) mustard, jeopardising the latest Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee’s (GEAC) “environmental” release of GM Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH)-11, for many the latter’s nod in itself is a milestone in the history of Indian agriculture research.

If finally allowed, the release, according to sectoral experts and scientists, could open the door for seed production and eventual commercial release of the hybrid that in turn might facilitate developing more viable and high-yielding varieties of mustard.

Mustard has an all-India average yield of 1-1.3 million tonnes (MT) per hectare,