South Asia Biotechnology Centre Invites Public Comments to Support GE Mustard

The South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) is inviting the public to submit comments in favor of the barnase-barstar technology and genetically engineered (GE) mustard hybrid DMH-11 to the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF). The barnase-barstar technology and GE mustard hybrid DMH-11, rigorously assessed for biosafety over the last decade by regulatory agencies in India, is as safe as conventional mustard, and does not raise any public health or safety concerns for human beings or animal or environment.

The technical sub-committee of India's Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) thoroughly evaluated the safety of GE mustard and released the Assessment of Food and Environmental Safety (AFES) report published on the MOEF&CC website for public comments from September 5 to October 5, 2016. Public comments are of great value to the 6 million mustard farmers in India, who experience low yields. The farmers need access to GE mustard and allow Brassica breeding research groups to use barnase-barstar technology to develop superior mustard hybrids.

To send comments, go to the SABC Campaign "Support High-Yielding GE Mustard Technology". For more information, join the campaign on GE Mustard Technology.