Activists urge Vardhan to reject GM mustard commercialisation

anti-GM activists on Monday asked Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan to reject the application seeking commercialisation of genetically-modified mustard, saying there is no "scientific, ethical and socio-economic" justification for it.

"We urge you to reject this application in toto, keeping in mind the present and future interest of our nation," the 'Coalition for a GM-Free India' said in the letter.

"There is no scientific, ethical and socio-economic justification for this mustard. From all available information, it is clear that this GM mustard is neither safe, nor beneficial nor needed," the letter said.

India's GM crop regulator had recently recommended the commercial use of genetically-modified mustard in a submission to the environment ministry. It is now upto the environment minister to give his approval.

The Coalition also asked the minister to take up "meaningful and serious" consultation processes on the matter, by having widespread consultations with the public and not just a set of "handpicked stakeholders". The Coalition asked the minister to take a "re-look" at the BJP's manifesto commitments and stick to the promises made in it.