GM crops in national interest: Centre

The Centre seeks approval for the environmental release of GM mustard, stressing the importance of genetically modified crops in ensuring food security and self-sufficiency in India. The production of GM crops can increase output by 25-30%. Importing edible oil and agricultural products is hurting consumers, farmers, and the economy. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justicesthat import of edible oil and other agricultural products was not only hurting consumers and farmers but also the economy as a whole.