DMH-11 and GEAC Approval

• GEAC recently recommended the "environmental release of the transgenic hybrid mustard DMH-11 for seed production and commercial cultivation.
• If approved, it will be the first ever GM food crop that Indian farmers would plant.
• Also the first GM crop after Bt cotton, whose original version was released in 2002 and an improved double-gene product in 2006.

Govt’s proactiveness

• The govt shouldn't waste time in accepting the recommendation of its GM products watchdog.
• The main sowing season for mustard is from October to mid-November.
• An early decision will allow seed multiplication for farmers to be able to plant in the 2023-24 crop season.

Conclusion

• Bt Cotton turned India from an importer to world's second largest exporter.
• A country importing over 60% of its edible oil requirements cannot afford the luxury of indefinitely blocking technology for its farmers.
• That's an approach that is neither scientific nor swadeshi.