Opposing vehemently genetically modified (GM) food crops, the Rajasthan government today said "no and never" for commercial cultivation of yet to be approved GM mustard crop saying agriculture is the state subject and it has every right to decide what crop to grow.
At present, biotech regulator Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is vetting a proposal on GM mustard variety developed by the Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants. A decision on this is still awaited amid strong opposition from green activists.
Citing safety concerns and divided opinion among scientists, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Prabhu Lal Saini said that the state government has decided not to permit field trials of GM mustard in three districts and will not allow its commercial cultivation.
"Many courts in other countries including EU have not allowed, be it GM brinjal, GM mustard or GM peas or tomato. It is no and never in Rajasthan if there is no unanimity on this issue," he said.
The Minister said Rajasthan is a leading state in mustard production and there is no need for GM variety which can disturb the traditional seeds and create imbalance in nature.
"I am not against this (GM) but farmers welfare and human beings safety is my priority. So, our CM and I have decided not to allow unless there is unanimity," Saini told reporters on sidelines of an event here to announce a three-day agri-tech meet in Jaipur next week.
He said the state government has not allowed field trial of GM mustard in three districts -- Bharatpur, Alwar and Hanumangarh.
"We have denied permission for field trials. We will not allow now because there will be a problem of pollination through bee, air or bird. We will not allow unless we ascertain the benefits," he said.
Asked will the state allow if there is consensus on GM mustard, he said, "If there is consensus, then there will be problem. We are looking at side effects. Madam (CM) is deliberating on this.
"If it is in the interest of humanity and if there is decision at national level, even then we will think. Agriculture is a state subject. The state will decide what crop to grow. If the current crop is benefiting, then why we need to disturb that," he said.
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