Field trials of GM mustard DMH-11 showed high yield, says Science Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “Field trials of GM mustard DMH-11 showed high yield, says Science Minister” published in The Hindu on 9th December 2022

What is the News?

The Union Science and Technology Minister has said that the field trials of the transgenic mustard variety, DMH-11 revealed them to the hinduthe hindu

be higher yielding and they didn’t deter the pollination habits of honey bees.

Background

Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11(DMH-11) had recently been approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee(GEAC) for cultivation in farmer fields, as a precursor to commercial cultivation. 

The only other transgenic seed permitted to be commercially cultivated in India is Bt cotton.

How has the government of India defended the approval of DMH-11?

Higher yield: The trials conducted over three years by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) suggest that DMH-11 has 28% higher yields than its parent Varuna and was 37% better than zonal checks, or local varieties that are considered the best in different agro-climatic zones. 

Safe for cultivation: Transgenics like DMH 11 are safe for cultivation and for food and feed use.

Safe for Bees: Transgenics were safe for bees and pollination as per studies conducted on Bt cotton in 2018-19.

Self-sustenance in edible oil: The present rate of edible oil consumption in India surpasses the domestic production rate and at present, India meets nearly 55-60 percent of its edible oil demand through imports.

– Hence, the release of GM mustard will contribute to India’s self-sustenance with respect to the production of edible oil.

What is the opposition to GM Mustard approval?

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