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The government has refused approval to commercially release a locally developed genetically modified (GM) mustard due to stiff opposition to lab-altered food from domestic activists and politicians.
The mustard variety would have been the first transgenic food crop to be allowed for commercial cultivation. But the environment ministry’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has deferred approval despite a panel the ministry supervises giving the genetically modified mustard technical clearance last year.
The decision on the mustard represents a setback for Deepak Pental and his colleagues at the Delhi University, who worked on developing and testing the variety for years.
Cotton is the only GM crop currently allowed to be sold in India but the arable land is gradually shrinking. US Company Monsanto Co dominates the cotton seed market in India, and often faces resistance from local companies over its position.
GM food has been opposed by activists and politicians in India due to fears that it could compromise food safety and biodiversity. Some experts have also questioned claims that GM crops are more productive than normal varieties.