Coalition of GM-Free India Accuses Govt of Misleading SC on Herbicide-Tolerant Nature of GM Mustard

The Coalition of GM-free India, in a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, claimed that the government is attempting to ‘criminalize’ farmers for using herbicides on the crop.

Additionally, they alleged that the government is disregarding the clear recommendation made by the court-appointed technical expert committee (TEC) to ban HT crops in India.

The letter stated that the Union of India is misleading the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India with an assurance. According to the letter, the government repeatedly gives this assurance that GM mustard is not a herbicide-tolerant crop. The Government of India is accused of trying to circumvent the clear recommendation by the court-appointed TEC for a ban on HT crops in India.

The NGOs emphasized that the government's approach is to criminalize farmers who utilize herbicides on GM mustard. They pointed out that the approval letter issued by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in October 2022, for the environmental release of GM mustard, includes a condition that prohibits farmers from using any herbicide formulation for cultivation.

However, they clarified that penalizing or criminalizing farmers is legally unfeasible since they are exempted from regulation under the Insecticides Act of 1968.

The debate surrounding the impact of GM crops on agriculture and the environment remains contentious in several countries, including India. Supporters of GM crops argue that they can address issues such as food security and agricultural productivity. On the other hand, critics often raise concerns about their safety and potential environmental consequences.

In the case of GM HT mustard, the primary concern lies in the use of glufosinate, a herbicide commonly employed with HT crops to control weeds. While HT crops can offer benefits to farmers, their usage can also have adverse effects on the environment and contribute to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.

The ongoing debate underscores the importance of considering all perspectives and conducting thorough research to make informed decisions about the cultivation and regulation of GM crops.