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The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposing the nod to genetically modified mustard saying that it is “unscientific, toxic and will not increase yields”.
The GM mustard variety developed by scientists at Delhi University led by Deepak Pental is not swadeshi (indigenous) and the gene of this variety is patented in the name of a multinational seed firm Bayer Crop Science, claimed SJM, which is affiliated to the ruling BJP’s ideological parent RSS.
“The claim that GM Mustard is Swadeshi and has been developed in India is completely untrue. We would like to bring it to your kind notice that in 2002, Proagro Seed Company (Bayer’s subsidiary), applied for commercial approval for similar construct,” SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan told reporters at a conference here.
Earlier this month, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), a biotech regulator under the Environment Ministry, had recommended the commercial cultivation of a genetically modified version of mustard.
The GM mustard is developed by scientists at the Delhi University led by Pental.
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