Punjab CPI(M) opposes introduction of BT brinjal

The Punjab unit of CPI(M) today said commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal should not be allowed without a go-ahead from competent Bt scientists after conducting thorough and comprehensive tests on the genetically modified food crop.

The use of Bt Brinjal without necessary rigorous tests is very dangerous, Punjab CPI(M) secretary Charan Singh Virdi said in a statement here and asked the Centre not to play into the hands of multi-national companies favouring its commercial introduction in the country.

The party is not against science and technology, but new inventions should be used for the benefit of humanity after proper tests, he said.

Alleging that the clearance of Bt Brinjal as "safe food" by Punjab Agriculture University was based on "inadequate research", he said people must be on guard against release of the genetically modified food crop without proper safety assessment carried out by experts.