GEAC Approves GM Mustard Cultivation

New Delhi: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), India’s central biotech regulator, has approved that genetically modified (GM) Mustard can be grown commercially in the country and recommended its approval to the environment ministry.

The recommendation will now need approval by Union Minister of State for Environment, Anil Madhav Dave.

The GM mustard, developed by Delhi University-based Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), is only the second food crop which has been cleared by GEAC. Earlier in 2010, Bt Brinjal had got the central regulator’s nod, which, however, was turned down by then environment minister Jairam Ramesh.

Presently, only Bt Cotton – a non-food GM crop – is allowed to be commercially cultivated in the country.