NEW DELHI: With the deadline of submitting comments of stakeholders on genetically modified mustard to the central biotech regulator coming to an end on Wednesday, both anti- and pro-GM groups have stepped up their efforts to bring finer points of their respective arguments in public domain.

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and the BJP-led NDA Government seem to be in an undue haste to commercially release GM Mustard. This is despite the absence of any credible regulatory mechanism that can conduct long-term tests and ensure bio-safety concerns can be addressed. The data has also not been made public despite repeated efforts and even order from Central Information Commissioner. There have been different claims of conflict of interest as well as questionable claims being made regarding the productivity of the GM Mustard. It is notable that the herbicide tolerant variety will be compatible with Bayer’s herbicide and given the fact that Bayer has recently acquired Monsanto and plans are afoot to take over other agribusinesses too, the move will undoubtedly promote monopoly of Bayer and open gates for unbridled profiteering. The implications of the use of herbicides on health of humans, animals and environment are also cause for concern. Another concern that has been expressed is regarding the livelihood impact on poor peasants and agricultural workers who earn through the weeding operations. Many States have also come out against the commercial release of GM Mustard. It is relevant to understand the reasons for such a position by States and in a federal system such decisions cannot be imposed without taking States into confidence.

New Delhi: Rejecting appeals and protests from civil society and scientists, the Union environment ministry is not going to extend the time period to seek public representations on genetically modified Mustard crop and the ministry’s deadline for comments comes to a close on Wednesday.

Monsanto recently decided that it would stop the release of new genetically modified (GM) cotton technology because of “uncertainty in the business and regulatory environment”. At the same time, it was reported that GM mustard has moved closer to obtaining clearance for commercial cultivation in India following a key committee’s favourable assessment on issues of soil suitability and risks to health and ecology.

India is now the site of a “battle royalty”, in the struggle between localisation and globalisation of power, between freedom for India and its citizens, through swadeshi and swaraj, and freedom of a cartel of three MNCs — selling poisons as pesticides and pesticide producing GMOs. India finds itself (once again) torn between its unforgiven history and uncertain future state. Back in 1857, the sepoys of the East India Company’s private military rose against their indignant monopolistic “masters” in “the mutiny”. The Industrial Revolution brought with it colonialism. Colonies of cotton, indigo, opium (and other) plantations were installed, to feed the machines of the Industrial “Revolution” — patented machines, built by patented machines. The company was (is) a monopoly based on patented machines and patent letters. The Monsanto-Bayer (MOBAY) merger is a mere show.

New Delhi, Oct 4 (PTI) Raising twenty objections against the biosafety report put out by Environment Ministry on GM Mustard, environmentalist Vandana Shiva today said Independent studies, health and socio-economic factors should be taken into account before exposing 1.5 billion Indians to the "unscientific GM fraud".

Several groups of environmentalists, farmers, beekeepers and NGOs have been protesting against the possibility of the government's approval for commercial cultivation of genetically-modified (GM) Mustard in India.

New Delhi, Oct 4 () Strongly opposing any move by the country's biotech regulator to grant approval to GM-Mustard, an RSS body has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention alleging that vested interests are acting in haste, spreading falsehood and hiding facts on the issue.

New Delhi: On Wednesday evening, the environment ministry’s genetic engineering approval committee’s (GEAC) one-month deadline for comments on allowing commercialization of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard crop expires, but the panel has a difficult road ahead. The GEAC is the nodal regulator for GM crops.

Progressive farmers and supporters of natural farming/organic agriculture have launched a state-wide campaign titled ‘sarson satyagrah’ against the government’s move to allow genetically modified (GM) mustard.