New Delhi, July 26 (Mayank Nigam) The seed industry on Thursday hailed the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on GM Mustard, calling for a science-based approach to genetically modified crops. This follows the conditional approval granted by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP). On Tuesday, a two-judge bench delivered the verdict, which is now set to be reviewed by a larger bench. Justice Sanjay Karol upheld the GEAC’s decision as independent and in line with existing regulations.
Ajai Rana, Chairman of the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds, stated, “We are glad that Hon’ble Justice Karol has supported the working of the regulatory body GEAC and found its working as per rules. The industry has always maintained that we must trust our regulators and support their decisions.” Conversely, Justice B V Nagarathna raised significant concerns, terming the decision “vitiated,” and prompting the matter to be reviewed further. Industry experts emphasised the need for self-sufficiency in oilseeds and increased farmer profitability. Rana added, “GMOs are tested stringently, and India’s regulatory bodies and research institutions adhere to the highest international norms and practices for evaluating safety & efficacy of biotech crops. GM Mustard can ensure ‘atmanirbharta’ in oil seeds and promote farmer prosperity through increased productivity.” A critical point of contention is the use of foreign data in the application.
Critics argue that the GEAC approved the trait without relying on indigenous studies. Industry experts counter that Indian agencies have been integral to all biosafety studies. Ram Kaundinya, Advisor to FSII, explained, “The University of Delhi is part of the regulatory evaluations. The food safety studies have been done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and accredited laboratories.” Both justices stressed the necessity for a national policy on GMOs. Dr Rajendra Barwale, Member of FSII and Executive Chairman of Mahyco Pvt Ltd, remarked, “The industry unanimously views this direction as positive. A national policy is needed because the actual implementation of the regulatory process is getting impeded by political decisions and activism.” Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director of FSII, noted the global acceptance of GM Canola, stating, “There has not been any reported adverse effect of this cultivation on humans, animals, environment, or honey bees. On the other hand, we are importing GM oils and consuming them without any adverse health events being reported.” As the issue moves to a larger bench, the industry remains focused on achieving a comprehensive and unified policy on GMOs.