Decision on Bt brinjal after Feb 10: Ramesh

Minister faces farmers’ ire

Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh today said a final decision on the commercial introduction of genetically modified brinjal, also referred to as Bt brinjal, would be taken after February 10.

The ministry was not under pressure from any group and technology relevance and environmental risks would be studied, he said.

The minister’s statement came after he faced protests from various farmer groups and non-government bodies, including the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, here today. Ramesh was here to hold public discussions on Bt brinjal at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture.

The protestors said the introduction of Bt brinjal would adversely affect biodiversity and companies would have monopoly over the seed varieties, which will lead to an increase in their prices.

They expressed concern that the traditional brinjal crop would be destroyed if the genetically modified variety was allowed.

However, there was also a section of people supporting the introduction of Bt brinjal. A few farmers from Guntur said they were happy with the results of Bt cotton and expected similar results from Bt brinjal.

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee had last year given its nod for commercial release of Bt Brinjal.

India is the first country where seed companies are trying to introduce Bt brinjal.

The minister held discussion with three sets of people — farmers and academicians and students; scientists and doctors; and non-governmental agencies and industries.

A fortnight ago, a three-member committee on Bt brinjal appointed by the state government recommended against commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in Andhra Pradesh. It suggested broader discussions on this subject.