Sharad Pawar bats for Bt Brinjal, raps its opponents

The Union agriculture minister, Sharad Pawar, on Thursday brushed off all allegations and reiterated his support for the introduction of Bt Brinjal. He asserted that the introduction of the genetically-modified Brinjal can take place as it has been recommended by Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), a scientific body, after carrying out a series of trials and tests on its impact on nature.

“If the introduction of Bt Brinjal will be in the larger interest of the country, farmers and for the food security at large, it should happen,” Pawar said. GEAC, the environment ministry-appointed committee, has found out that Bt Brinjal is not harmful. The agriculture minister suspected the involvement of the pesticide companies, if any, in opposing the introduction of Bt Brinjal.

He, however, explained that the environment ministry gives clearance for the launch of new variety of seeds. Once the environment ministry gives its approval, the matter is forwarded to the agriculture ministry. “After the environment ministry’s approval, the agriculture ministry will have no hesitation to extend its support. So far such a clearance for Bt Brinjal from the environment ministry is awaited.”

He said similar protests were witnessed against the introduction of Bt Cotton about six years ago. “However, Bt Cotton is now grown on nearly 92 per cent of the cotton growing area in the country. In fact, this has led to a record hike in India’s cotton production.”

“Farmers do not go by such opposition but they always weigh what is beneficial for them and for the country as a whole,” Pawar said.

He also took a swipe against the non-government organisations (NGOs) for opposing Bt Brinjal. “India imports 40 per cent of its edible oil requirement and that is largely produced through genetically-modified soyabean. It’s quite ironical that when NGOs from the edible oil producing countries are quiet on this issue, they are providing feed to the NGOs in the country against Bt Brinjal.”