Genetically modified mustard cultivation faces stiff protest

An activist forum -- GM-Free Bengal -- today opposed purported government efforts to approve genetically modified mustard for commercial cultivation.

"This is an attempt by multinationals to make their entry into the Indian market with GM seeds indirectly with the Indian educational system to gain confidence," A K Ghosh, a former member of Planning Commission task force on environment and biodiversity, said here today.

Activist Kavita Kuruganti alleged that there were "vested interest groups" in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee itself.

The activists felt that allowing GM mustard would have a severe impact on bio-diversity.

Geneticist Tushar Chakraborty said West Bengal would be worst affected if GM mustard is commercialised.
 

The state government did not allow any GM trials in the state.