Par panel to discuss GM crops issue with activists, seed firms

A parliamentary panel headed by Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury will discuss the issue of genetically modified (GM) crops with multinational seed firms and activists.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, headed by Chowdhury is reviewing the GM crops and their impact on environment and human health.
The panel will meet the activists and other farmer organisations who are against the genetically-modified seeds, a member said.
The committee is also deliberating upon the issue of GM mustard and has called officials from the environment ministry for the same, a member said.
The panel today discussed the issue of health hazards of GM mustard with the Secretary Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry.

Last week, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), under the Environment Ministry, recommended the GM mustard for commercial cultivation. The final approval is yet to be given by the environment minister.

The Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), Delhi University South Campus, had submitted an application to the GEAC for the environmental release of GM mustard (brassica juncea) hybrid DMH-11.
GM mustard is the second genetically modified food crop after Bt Brinjal that has obtained all required regulatory approvals and reached the environment minister's table for clearance.
Former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in Congress-led UPA government had refused clearance to Bt Brinjal and put an indefinite moratorium on the decision.