Punjab scientists favour Bt Brinjal

While different lobbies expressed their concern on the introduction of Bt brinjal in India to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in Chandigarh today, the scientists working on Bt variety of crops in the state find it suitable for environment and human beings.

During the open house discussion with the Union minister in Chandigarh today, the scientists from the universities and research institutes of Punjab apprised about the impact of Bt cotton on the income levels of farmers in the presence of farmers and NGOs.

Additional Director, Research, Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana S S Gosal said 8 Bt crops were grown in the US. and 6 more got approval. He added that Bt cotton helped the Punjab farmers raise their productivity.

Prof Dua of the Department of Botany at Punjab University Chandigarh said that Bt Cotton gene did not have cross pollination and horizontal contamination. It increased the photosynthesis and did not have any negative effect on the nutrition level of the plants.

The concerns regarding the impact of Bt Brinjal were expressed by some as Brinjal is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicines.

The scientists from Punjab answering the queries of farmers regarding the rising incidents of cancer in Bathinda belt (the cotton belt of Punjab) said that if a farmer used pesticides under the guidance of agriculture scientists it would not cause health hazards.

They said that the farmers tried to make their own combinations of various medicines for pests, available in the market as the pest became resistant to a pesticide after some time. It caused negative impact on health of the people and environment. They advised the farmers to seek the guidance of experts before changing the combination of plant medicines.

The minister ensured that he would take a decision on Bt brinjal keeping both the views (for and against) in sight giving utmost importance to farmers’ interests.