what is the matter
Mustard is one of the main crops of the country. According to a report, mustard is cultivated in 6 to 7 million hectares in the country. Its major producing states include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. By the way, the discussion of mustard goes on regarding the inflation of oil. But this time the discussion is about new types of mustard seeds, which are being called GM seeds. The issue of GM Mustard has been raised from the road to the Parliament. Agricultural experts and environment lovers are opposing it. At the same time, the government claims that this will increase production. However, the protestors are denying these claims of the government. In this case, according to Dr. Dheeraj Singh, former director of Mustard Institute, the country does not need GM mustard. 67% of the world’s seed business is with 3-4 companies only. His genes, his patents. According to him, if you want to enslave a country, take possession of its seed system, the country will automatically become enslaved. There is no need to even drop any bombs.”
Know what is GM Mustard
GM i.e. Genetically Modified Mustard DMH Dhara 11 has been prepared by crossing with Indian mustard variety Varuna and East European variety Early Heera 2. Three types of genes have been used in this. The project was funded by the Department of Biotechnology and the National Dairy Development Board. According to the trial conducted under the supervision of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), its yield is 28 percent higher than that of Varun. However, GM mustard seeds are not yet available in the country. As of now, the Central Government has not even accepted the recommendation of the committee of the Ministry of Environment. Only after getting the approval, the way for GM mustard to reach the farmers’ fields will open.
what are the advantages
Its proponents say that currently Bt cotton is the only transgenic crop in the country that is being commercially cultivated in India. There is no evidence on the basis of which it can be believed that the cultivation of this species for the last two decades has had any negative effect on the land or on the overall biodiversity of that area. The transgenic hybrid mustard (DMH-11) developed in the country is expected to increase the yield of the oil seed. It does not require additional water, fertilizers or pesticides. This means that farmers will start getting better crops at less cost. This will help in achieving the goal of reducing the cost of import of edible oils in the country. In the last financial year, India had to import edible oil worth about $19 billion.
Why is it being opposed
Where one side of GM Mustard is protesting. And the other camp is standing in its favor. The first reason for opposing GM mustard is the presence of the third ‘bar’ gene in it. It is being said that Glufosinate ammonium is not affected by GM mustard plants. Due to this, the use of chemical herbicides will increase and the work opportunities for the laborers will decrease. If this herbicide is used indiscriminately, many varieties of plants can be harmed. Also, they say that bees will be affected due to GM Mustard. Mustard flowers play a big role in making honey for bees. In such a situation, it will be affected by GM mustard.
Source: navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
: Language Inputs
This post is sourced from newspapers, magazines and third-party websites. For more information please check NewsDay Express Disclaimer.