Despite direct impact, edible oil sector is divided on GM mustard approval

Even the opinion of farmers' groups seems divided after AIKS comes out in support

Edible oil players, which will be affected directly by genetically modified (GM) mustard seeds, have mixed views on the recent nod for the “environmental release” granted by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.

The Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), affiliated to the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh, and the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) have opposed the approval while the Left-leaning All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has come out in support of it, saying it isn’t opposed to genetic modification per se but wants it to be tested in Indian conditions.

While a section of the industry has welcomed the clearance, another segment has doubts on the