The proponents of genetically modified technology in agriculture have got support from an unexpected quarter. A group of 33 economists has petitioned the Prime Minister to favourably consider the commercialisation of GM Mustard.

In an open letter, the economists claimed that by bringing hybrid vigour, the GM mustard seed will lead to higher yields.

Hybridisation is a well-known and accepted way to increase yields and has done so for diverse crops such as cotton, maize, sorghum and vegetables.

GM mustard has been evaluated for food safety, environmental safety and agronomic superiority by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the Government of India.

Several public sector institutions conducted research trials on their safety and efficacy, apart from the fact that this technology has been in use for the last two decades in Canada, United States and Australia.

There is, therefore, no reason to deny the technology to farmers, said the signatories, who include CH Hanumantha Rao, former Planning Commission Member; YK Alagh, former Union Minister for S&T; Mahendra Dev, Director, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research; PG Chengappa, President, Agricultural Research Economics; N Chandrasekara Rao. Institute of Economic Growth; Uma Lele, former World Bank economist; Sangeeta Shroff, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and Bharat Ramaswami, Indian Statistical Institute.

In India, GM cotton is the only crop that has been given approval for commercial cultivation in the past two decades.

Controversial field

Globally, GM technology remains controversial, even as technology marches on with newer varieties of corn, soya, vegetables etc.

The opponents to commercialisation criticise the regulatory process. The integrity of the regulatory process is paramount, they say, and it should be protected at all costs. Products that meet the benchmarks laid down by a fair, transparent and rigorous regulatory process should be approved for commercialisation, they argue.