Demand for Prohibition of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard Cultivation in India
Kerala Jaiva Karshaka Samithi ( Organic Farming Association of Kerala ) strongly demand the immediate prohibition of GM mustard cultivation in India.
Memorandum to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, demanding Prohibition of GM Mustard Cultivation in India in Light of Supreme Court Verdict, Public Health Concerns, environmental and agricultural impacts.
Subject: Demand for Prohibition of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard Cultivation in India
Date: October 10, 2024
To:
The Honorable Minister,
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
Government of India
Sub: Urgent call for a complete prohibition of GM Mustard (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11) cultivation in India in the light of public health and environmental concerns; enforce a strict Bio-Safety Policy for protecting the public health and environment from the disastrous threat of GM Mustard and deadly herbicides use attached to it.
Respected Sir/Madam,
We, the undersigned, submit this memorandum to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), voicing our grave concerns over the approval and potential commercialization of genetically modified (GM) mustard (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 or DMH-11). We strongly demand the immediate prohibition of GM mustard cultivation in India for the following reasons:
1. Inadequate Risk Assessment and Violation of Environmental Protection regulations.
Justice B.V. Nagarathna, in her recent ruling regarding the approval of GM mustard by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), quashed the approval citing the lack of proper assessment of risks posed to human health, animal welfare, and environmental integrity. The judgment highlighted that the risks associated with GM crops were not thoroughly studied, and the decision-making process followed by the GEAC was flawed.
The court particularly noted that the precautionary principlea cornerstone of environmental protection in Indiawas disregarded, with serious risks posed to biodiversity, including the potential extinction of indigenous mustard species and adverse effects on pollinators like honeybees. The long-term impact on soil health, food security, and overall agricultural sustainability was not given due consideration.
2. Threat to Public Health and Food Safety
Justice Nagarathna also emphasized the failure to assess the transgenerational effects and the chronic health impacts of GM mustard on human beings. GM mustard's herbicide tolerance traits raise concerns about the use of herbicides like glyphosate, which could endanger public health due to chemical residues. The court criticized the government's lack of transparency in risk assessment, failing to provide crucial health data and biosafety reports for public scrutiny.
Furthermore, the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) of 2006 requires appropriate packaging, labelling, and public awareness of GM foods, but these were not adequately addressed by the authorities. The public's right to make informed choices about GM foods has been severely undermined by this lack of compliance.
3. Socioeconomic Concerns and Loss of Indigenous Varieties
India is the center of origin for mustard, and introducing GM mustard could threaten indigenous mustard biodiversity. The impact of GM crops on rural livelihoods and sustainable farming practices is a matter of deep concern. The court acknowledged the risk of socio-economic harm to small farmers who rely on indigenous, non-GM crops for their livelihood.
The introduction of herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops like DMH-11 is likely to increase dependence on herbicides, leading to environmental pollution and rising costs for farmers. This would exacerbate rural inequality and compromise food sovereignty in the country.
4. Lack of Scientific Consensus and Independent Research
The judgment pointed out significant flaws in the GEACs decision-making process and criticized the lack of independent, indigenous research on the long-term safety of GM mustard. The Technical Expert Committee (TEC), convened by the Supreme Court, had previously recommended stringent safety evaluations and called for a moratorium on GM crops until robust regulatory guidelines were established. Yet, these recommendations were ignored.
Furthermore, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture had raised similar concerns about the absence of independent research and the dangers of GM crops in their 2012 and 2017 reports, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, transparent review process.
5. Violation of the Right to a Safe Environment Under Article 21
Justice Nagarathna, in her ruling, highlighted that the approval of GM mustard without sufficient safeguards violated the citizens' right to a safe and healthy environment, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The hurried approval disregarded stakeholder consultations and undermined democratic processes meant to protect public health and environmental welfare.
6. Call for National Policy and State Involvement
The Supreme Court has directed the Union of India to establish a National Policy on Genetically Modified Crops with comprehensive consultations involving State Governments, experts in agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, and farmer organizations. We believe that a unified, participatory approach is essential before any further decision is taken on the commercialization of GM crops, especially in states where mustard is a major crop. So that we need a comprehensive Bio-Safety Policy for creating strict precautionary measures to protect our environment and human health from the threat of GM crops and deadly herbicides attached with them.
Conclusion and Demands
Given these grave concerns, we strongly urge the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to:
1. Immediately revoke the approval for GM mustard cultivation and impose a permanent ban on the commercialization of GM mustard in India.
2. Ensure compliance with the Supreme Courts direction to conduct extensive stakeholder consultations, including independent experts, scientists, and farmers, before considering any future approvals for GM crops.
3. Implement the recommendations of the Technical Expert Committee (TEC) and Parliamentary Standing Committees on Agriculture to protect Indias biodiversity, public health, and agricultural integrity.
4. Conduct a comprehensive and transparent risk assessment of GM crops, particularly focusing on the potential impacts on public health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices.
Indias agricultural future must be built on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and food security, not on the untested risks of genetically modified crops. We respectfully submit this memorandum for your urgent attention and hope for swift action in the interest of the nation and its people.
Sincerely,