Patna, May 17: Chief minister Nitish Kumar today wrote to Union minister of state (independent charge) Anil Madhav Dave, expressing concern over the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) according regulatory clearance to genetically modified (GM) mustard for commercial cultivation in the country and asked him to reject it immediately.

Asserting that the concerns and objections to cultivation of genetically modified mustard remain unresolved, Nitish, who has continuously been at the forefront in opposing GM crops, also demanded that no decision on such crops be taken in haste, as it could harm the interests of farmers and citizens.

Reminding that agriculture is a state subject, the Bihar chief minister mentioned in a letter to Dave that the technology was monopolistic and would leave the fate of crores of farmers in the country at the hands of seed-producing companies.

Moreover, the present Seed Act in the country has no provision for liability and compensation if such risky technologies fail or cause damage to farmers and the environment.

"Besides, the issue is still pending in the Supreme Court, which has given status quo orders on GM mustard's approval by the central government. The central government has to address the issues and make its submission to the apex court before taking the final decision," Nitish said.