The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, has given go ahead for large scale, multi-locational field trials for genetically engineered hybrid mustard. The hybrid mustard is developed by Proagro Seed Company Limited, a multinational now part of the Aventis CropScience of Belgium. Hybrid mustard would be the second genetically hybrid seed to be tested after Bt Cotton of Monsanto-Mayhyco combine. Bt cotton is scheduled to be planted in farmers' fields in the ensuing khariff season. Mustard is normally sown in October month. During the field trials agronomic performance and bio-safety aspects will be evaluated. If everything go as planned the hybrid mustard would be ready for commercialisation by 2002 rabi season. It is claimed that transgenic hybrid mustard gives 25 percent more yield compared to now available check varieties.