The issue was discussed in a meeting of the regulator, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), whose minutes were reviewed by Mint. The panel, however, advised all seven applicants whose applications were cleared to approach the ministry of agriculture for further approvals. The issue of GM crops has been a contentious issue in India. At present, the controversy is revolving around application for allowing commercialization of GM mustard which has been developed by Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants. If GM mustard gets the green light from the GEAC, it will become the first transgenic food crop to be commercially cultivated in India.

Source: Mint September 19, 2016 06:00 UTC