Farm scientists' body demand early govt nod on GM mustard

Agri think-tank NAAS today urged the government to give final nod this year itself to the genetically modified (GM) Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) for commercial cultivation and pave way for further research in developing better hybrids using this technology.
The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), comprising 625 fellows, has also made representation to the PMO as well as adopted a resolution on commercialisation of GM mustard in its 24th annual general body meeting held today.
Last month, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the regulator under the Environment Ministry had approved for commercial release of the Mustard DMH-11 developed by a team of scientists at Delhi University led by former vice-chancellor Deepak Pental.

"GEAC has cleared DMH-11 and we want the final clearance to it so that further fields trials are conducted and come for commercial cultivation this year itself," NAAS President Panjab Singh told reporters.
This crop, grown by small and marginal farmers, occupies importance as it will help in doubling farmers income with yields expected to be 25 per cent more than the best varieties such as 'Varuna' currently grown in the country, he said.
Currently, DMH-1 mustard developed using cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has been the benchmark for mustard hybrids. DMH-11 has been developed using genetic male sterility (GMS) technique especially 'barstar-barnase' system to make herbicide resistant.

Pental said that the 'Barstar-barnase' system is better than the existing CMS system as this would help develop more hybrid varieties which could be of canola quality and better yields.

Allaying concerns of honey-bee keepers that GM mustard would impact honey output, he said, "The hybrids do not shorten the flowering period. In fact, yields will be more. That means more flowers would be there and honey bees can collect more nectar. It is a myth that honey bees will be affected."
Asked how the DMH-11 will be priced and if it will be given to private companies, he said, "The research was funded by the government bodies. It cannot be done without their consultation. Private companies are most welcome as this will only improve the competition."

Regarding the prices, it should be reasonable and that will be decided once the GM mustard variety is cleared for commercial cultivation.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Trilochan Mohapatra as well as former NAAS President R B Singh among other NAAS members were present at the event.
Bt cotton is the only GM crop allowed in the country for commercial cultivation. There is moratorium on Bt brinjal.