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Indian Bt brinjal developed by Mahyco: Monsanto

Environment minister Jairam Ramesh has put a moratorium on commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal saying that tests certifying the product on health and environment grounds were inadequate.

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Biotech major Monsanto today said the Bt brinjal variety, whose commercial cultivation was put on hold by the Centre, was indigenously developed by Mahyco.

"Bt brinjal has been indigenously developed by Indian seed and biotech company Mahyco with the Cry1Ac gene accessed from Monsanto, in collaboration with public sector institutions," US-based Monsanto said in a statement here.

It said Mahyco has independently conducted Bt Brinjal research for over nine years in full compliance with the guidelines and directives of the regulatory authorities to ensure its safety, making variety the most rigorously-tested vegetable with 25 environmental biosafety studies.

Environment minister Jairam Ramesh has put a moratorium on commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal saying that tests certifying the product on health and environment grounds were inadequate.

"In keeping with the same, Monsanto will continue to conduct research in our focus crops - cotton, corn and vegetables, in compliance with the regulatory protocols.

"Monsanto believes better seed, biotech-enhancements, and improved agronomic practices hold the long-term solution to increasing crop productivity sustainably," the statement said.

It said that Monsanto's association with Mahyco is restricted to the extent of a minority stake of 26% in the company, through Monsanto Holdings Private Limited - a 100% subsidiary of Monsanto Company, US.

In India, Monsanto's business is managed under two other entities - Mahyco Monsanto Biotech (India) Limited, a 50:50 joint venture, and Monsanto India Limited in which Monsanto has a 72% indirect and direct stake.

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