GM Mustard and the debate..

The debate at present, that concerns India is whether GM Mustard crops should be allowed on fields. GEAC which reports to Ministry of Environment and Forest is mandated to approve the commercial trials. It has even approved it. However, since it is a food crop, it has raised concern among the masses. The common people, farmers, scientists, NGOs and few section of civil society think it would not be apt to go for GM Mustard on fields. They think it will hurt the environment, soil, biotic and abiotic factors of the eco system and health of human beings. Moreover, if there is some damage to the above, it will be irrevocable. 

However despite such apprehensions, some support it on the following grounds. It will help in the food security mission. The government is dependent on the farmers for its procurement of food grains such as rice, wheat, pulses to feed the masses at subsidised rates. So, by introducing GM Mustard, the productivity of food grains will increase. This is because after its introduction, lesser area will be required for growing mustard; since GM crops increase the productivity, with lesser area we can grow more crops. The remaining area can be diverted for other crops such as rice, wheat, pulses and so on. So, the government will not be apprehensible of failing to maintain sufficient food stock every quarter. 

Another advantage is that GM Mustard will be drought as well as pest resistant. So both these factors which affect the production in a substantial amount can be eliminated.

I have few proposals regarding what should be the final fate of GM Mustard. Grow these crops forst not on the agricultural fields but on vertical farms. These farms are very popular in Japan. They get nutrition not from the soil but some mechanised routes, may be from air. We can deploy some of the experienced professionals in the regard who can implement this Japanese knowledge. By doing this we will have no fear of what may go wrong with the soil, environment at least in the initial stage. the outcome then should be carefully monitored by the suitable professionals. Farmers should be taken help of in assessing the outcomes. Then, increase the area of such farms every year. Again assess the outcomes. Send the outcome report to the developed countries technical bodies and they should also be studied by indian technical bodies like Central Water commission. Based on such outcomes, the action need to be taken. By deploying PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) we can achieve sustainable results without worries. Please no ad-hocs.