Activists, scientists and NGOs support decision on Bt brinjal

Scientists and activists have welcomed the decision of Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to defer commercialisation of Bt brinjal. Even Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (Mahyco), which created the genetically modified vegetable, said it respects the verdict.

“Mahyco has always followed the directives of the Department of Biotechnology and GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, an apex body under the Ministry of Environment and Forests). Mahyco is confident that sound science based on evidence obtained over nine years of rigorous testing will prevail and India’s farmers, consumers and farm labour, and the environment, will benefit from agriculture biotechnology,” the seed company said in a statement today.

The government has decided to impose a moratorium on the cultivation of Bt brinjal till independent scientific studies establish the safety of the product on health and environment.

Terming Jairam Ramesh’s step as a correct one, agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan said: “This is a breathing spell to clear the apprehensions of public, states and scientists and develop a regulatory mechanism to inspire public confidence and remove fears about Bt brinjal.” He added that the ministry has not pushed it under the carpet. “This breathing spell should be used to carefully look at the situation for everyone’s concern,” he said.

Suggesting a way to develop a regulatory mechanism, Swaminathan said: “Public consultations on the issue should be analysed and a report should be prepared on the points of agreement and disagreement. The regulatory mechanism should weigh the benefits in a transparent manner and Parliament should take it up for discussion. The analysis of public consultations should yield a positive result in the long run. This breathing spell will also give us time to put our house in order to put in place the mechanism by the end of this year.”

Sunita Narain, director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) supported the verdict. She said: “We have consistently voiced our concerns. We are not against the use of genetically modified technology to improve crop yields. But we definitely oppose the introduction of Bt brinjal.”

She further said: “Here, for the first time, we are genetically modifying a common vegetable which is used nearly daily in most of our homes. Brinjal is consumed directly and not processed into bread or used in other processed foods. In many parts of the country, it is even eaten uncooked. We, therefore, need to be extremely cautious in our review of this food.”