Fmr health ministers write to PM not to give nod to GM mustard

Two former union health ministers and a number of medical practitioners today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advising against giving nod to the commercial release of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard crop.
The letter, signatories to which include former ministers Anbumani Ramadoss and Vallabhbhai Kathiria, said GM mustard is a "danger" for cultivators, agricultural workers as well as consumers.
On July 17, the Centre had informed the Supreme Court, which had stayed the commercial release of GM mustard crop last year, that so far it has not taken any policy decision in this matter.
"GM mustard is a danger for cultivators, agricultural workers as well as consumers. On the other hand, there are no good reasons that can be seen so far as to why this GM mustard is needed, or what kind of benefits it will offer.

"It is against this background that we write to you now to request you to urgently reject this GM mustard commercialisation application. This is an unsafe and unneeded GMO and India's citizens and environment should not be forced to face the risks and dangers of this GM mustard," the letter said.
Mustard is one of India's most important winter crops which is sown between mid-October and late November.