Biotech regulator GEAC today deferred its decision on commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) mustard in the country and asked its risk assessment group to look into the deficiencies pointed out by a sub-committee.
Even as activists upped their ante against commercialisation of GM mustard, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), under the Environment Ministry, in its meeting chaired by an Additional Secretary, asked the risk assessment group to submit within 60 days its report, which will be put in public domain for further consultation.
The senior ministry official said the objections put forth by the activists would be forwarded to the risk assessment group.
GEAC had sought suggestions and recommendations from agriculture experts and farmers on the commercial cultivation of GM mustard and its possible impact on bio-diversity.
The Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants had sought GEAC's permission for environmental release of its transgenic mustard variety. The regulator was to take up the matter in its meeting today, which was second on the issue in this year.
In its earlier meeting in February, GEAC had asked the institution to submit more details to it about the field trial.
Activists opposing commercial cultivation of GM crops
demanded that GEAC be scrapped as it has become "opaque and unscientific" while alleging that scientists at Delhi University notched up yield increases through "rigged protocols".
The activists, who appeared before GEAC, submitted their objections against transgenic crops.
However, 'Coalition for GM free India' comprising civil society groups and scientists alleged that they were not given adequate time for presentations on the concerns related to the issue.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar had earlier said GEAC, in its meeting on February 5, had directed the applicant (Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, University of Delhi) to revise the biosafety dossier in respect of its application for environmental release of transgenic mustard hybird -DMH, developed using barnase, barstar and bar genes.
"The revised dossier has been forwarded to the Sub-Committee of GEAC constituted for the purpose of review and experts' comments," Javadekar had said.
