The fact that genetically modified (GM) technology is dangerous, irrevocable, unpredictable and uncontainable had mobilised an unprecedented gathering of representatives of 57 unions of farmers, an association of five lakh beekeepers, 150 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and representatives of diverse political parties to declare a ‘Sarson Satyagraha’ on 25 October 2016 in Delhi. They were opposing the attempt to push through genetically modified - GM - mustard by India’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). They all knew that once a GM crop is introduced, the flow of pollen by wind and insects, the mixing of seeds and a variety of corporate marketing strategies would ensure that non-GM mustard is virtually wiped out.
