The commercial use of Bt brinjal in India suffered a major setback when two states that produce 41% of the crop told the government they are not willing to introduce a genetically-modified version in their fields.
West Bengal and Bihar, which produce 30% and 11% of the country’s brinjal, have opposed the decision.
Minister for environment and forest, Jairam Ramesh, had written to
the chief ministers of major brinjal-producing states —- West Bengal, Orissa (20%), Bihar (11%), Maharashtra (6%), Andhra Pradesh (6%) and Karnataka (4%). Of these, only the CMs of Bengal and Bihar have conveyed their decision to not introduce Bt brinjal. The ministry is waiting for a response from other governments.
“The final decision on the commercial use of Bt brinjal has not been taken. It would be taken only after public discussions are completed. There would no compromise on human safety,” Ramesh said.
“We have engaged around 50-60 scientists, farmer groups and non-government organisations and are in the process of reaching a final decision. The decision would be completely transparent,” he said.
Indian scientists had raised questions on a decision by the genetic engineering approval committee (GEAC) to start commercial use of Bt brinjal. The government said it would do more tests on the genetically-modified crop, if needed.
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