Supreme Court's Split Verdict on GM Mustard Approval Sparks Debate

The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) responded positively to the Supreme Court's mixed verdict regarding the Centre's 2022 approval of GM mustard crops. The court called for a national policy on GM crops while FSII emphasized the stringent testing and scientific assessments by India's regulatory bodies, GEAC.

The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) welcomed the Supreme Court's split verdict on the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard crops. The apex court directed the Centre to create a national policy on GM crops for research, cultivation, trade, and commerce.

Justices BV Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol had differing views on the Centre's 2022 decision, prompting the matter to go before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud for further adjudication.

FSII Chairman Ajai Rana praised Justice Karol for supporting the regulatory body GEAC. Rana emphasized India's rigorous testing and high international standards for biotech crop safety. FSII stressed that GM mustard could boost oilseed self-sufficiency and farmer prosperity, despite critics questioning the reliance on foreign data for GEAC's approval.