Chennithala expresses concern over move to grant clearance to GM Mustard

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala has urged the Centre to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of genetically modified mustard before giving permission for its cultivation.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Opposition Leader noted that many environmentalists, agriculture scientists and farmers had raised concerns about commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops.

Experts say that such crops, besides damaging the natural qualities of the soil, affected the health of children seriously. Genetically modified food caused allergy and resistance to anti-biotics. Hence, it was important to conduct detailed studies into effects of GM food on man and nature, Mr. Chennithala said.

He noted that about 120 eminent scientists had written to the Prime Minister calling for detailed studies before granting clearance to GM mustard. However, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests were going ahead with proposal to grant clearance.

Greenpeace,Thanal (Trivandrum) and other environmental organisations have protested against GM crops. Thanal has filed a preliminary objection with the ministry in response to its proposal.

(Pic: Greenpeace protest against GM Mustard before MoEF (file photo courtesy Greenpeace)