A panel of senior Union ministers is set to review the future of a genetically modified (GM) variety of rapeseed — locally known as mustard — in a move that could signal a shift in India’s long-standing caution toward engineered food crops.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the panel will examine the status of field trials for the GM mustard crop, whose commercial rollout has remained stalled for years following legal challenges by activist groups. The case is currently pending before the Supreme Court of India, where a split verdict by a two-judge bench in 2024 led to its referral to a larger bench.
A decision by the ministerial group could strengthen the government’s position when the matter returns for hearing, potentially paving the way for policy clarity on GM food crops in one of the world’s largest agricultural markets.
Productivity Push Amid Import Dependence
India does not currently permit the cultivation or import of GM food crops, even though such varieties are widely grown in countries including the US, Brazil and Argentina. The only GM crop approved for cultivation in India so far is Bt cotton, which helped transform the country into a leading global producer over the past two decades.
However, India remains heavily dependent on imported vegetable oils, spending more than $17 billion annually. Rapeseed, a key oilseed in the Indian diet, is seen by proponents as a potential solution to boost domestic yields and reduce import reliance. Supporters argue that GM mustard could increase productivity and enable more efficient use of limited arable land.
The review comes at a time when the government is seeking to improve farm output amid rural economic pressures and a rising population.
Trade Talks Add Fresh Momentum
The debate over GM crops has also gained prominence in the backdrop of recent trade discussions with the United States, which culminated in an agreement to lower import duties on certain American agricultural products. Some of these imports, including distillers dried grains (DDGS), are derived from genetically modified crops.
Soybean oil processed from GM varieties grown in the US and South America is already allowed into India, effectively introducing GM-linked products into the domestic market through trade channels.
The trade deal, however, has triggered protests from major farmer groups concerned that increased imports could hurt small-scale producers who form the backbone of India’s agricultural sector.
A History of Caution
India has historically taken a cautious approach to GM food crops. In 2010, the government halted the commercial release of genetically modified brinjal (eggplant), which would have been the country’s first GM food crop, citing the absence of an urgent food security need.
Since then, domestic productivity gains in crops such as wheat, rice and corn have largely been achieved through hybrid seed technology rather than genetic modification.
If approved, GM mustard could mark a significant policy shift and potentially open the door to other engineered food crops. For now, the ministerial panel’s review is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, farmer groups and global agribusiness players alike, as it may shape the future trajectory of agricultural biotechnology in India.