55-60% cooking oil is from countries with GM crops: Bhupender Yadav

• Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change recently said that “~ 55-60% of cooking oil” in India “is imported from countries where GM crops are permitted”.
• Said that the move was based on sound scientific research, and followed the prescribed regulatory process.

Background

• The GEAC recently cleared GM mustard, paving the way for its commercial use.
• This was the first clearance given to a GM crop by the Government in 16 years, since Bollgard Cotton II was sanctioned in 2006.

Prelims Takeaway

• GEAC
• GM crops