Genetically modified food has become more and more prevalent as the world has developed. It has done wonders on increasing the population because now a plant that could have only supported maybe three people can now support ten people. In India there has been many pushes toward releasing its first genetically modified food crop. This crop is
mustard. Mustard is made from the seeds of the mustard plant along with a combination of other spices.
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This is part of a mustard field in India.(Retrieved from here) |
About 12 years ago India introduced a cotton genetically modified plant that has spread to 90% of the country. The genetically modified cotton has increased production of cotton. However there is a difference with genetically modified foods. Before releasing the genetically modified food it has to be made sure that no harm will come to animals and human beings that ingest it. In 2010, another genetically modified food product, an eggplant variety, was tested but ultimately rejected because it was
equipped with a bacterial gene that thwarts insect pests.
The country is pushing for mustard to be allowed to be
modified because India is the world's biggest producers of mustard. The genetically modified mustard will result in 25% increase in seed production meaning that more oil can be process and thus increased mustard production. According to a safety review the genetically modified mustard didn't raise any health concerns. However, just to be safe the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee will have 30 days to decide whether genetically modified mustard will be allowed to be planted and used for human consumption in the future.
Interesting article. The approval of the genetically modified mustard would not only help the Indian population through the production of more food for the people but also by possibly exporting this mustard to other countries.
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