At the GM club's doorsteps

India needs a strong biotechnology regulator

With the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) green-lighting approval of the genetically modified (GM) mustard, DMH-11, for commercial cultivation, India seems to have moved closer to joining the club of over 25 nations which grow gene-altered food crops. Yet, more hurdles need to be overcome before the GM mustard, developed by the Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, could reach the farmers. A formidable one among them is the stiff resistance from the detractors of the GM crops, including the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, an affiliate of the saffron conglomerate of which the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is