To Be or Not To Be GMO: That is the Question Facing Indian Mustard Farmers

In India, the genetically modified debate continues as a group of seven farmers’ unions petition to the Prime Minister to allow the implementation of genetically modified mustard in India’s dry regions. Farmers have been battling droughts in certain regions recently and say the new mustard can cope with the dry areas and allow mustard farmers to increase production up to 30 percent. Environmentalists and social activists, however, have not been so supportive of the new mustard saying it can cause environmental issues and is just a way for large corporations to make more money and take over local agriculture. It remains to be seen what the decision is, as it’s still undergoing review by the Union Environment Ministry’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.