The Fate of Bt.brinjal freezed by Govt...

The Government today has said it would not allow the cultivation of Bt Brinjal, a genetically modified version of the common vegetable, till an “independent scientific study” satisfactorily establishes its safety.

“It’s my duty to adopt a cautious precautionary based approach and impose a moratorium on the release of Bt Brinjal till such time independent scientific study establishes to the satisfaction of the public and professional about safety of the product,” said Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.

He added-"Impose a moratorium on the release of Bt Brinjal till such time that independent scientific studies establish satisfaction of both public and professionals, the safety of the product from the point of view of long-term impact on human health and environment,"

It was said that there were opposition to the genetically modified vegetable from 11 state governments, green activists and farmers during his public hearings over the issue at a number of cities around the country.He also clarified that the moratorium in no way implied a "conditional acceptance" of Bt Brinjal.

Opponents to the introduction of the genetically modified food crop are principally worried on two counts -

1. What happens if there is accidental cross-pollination between Bt and ordinary brinjal?

2.Will the modified gene get into the normal brinjal ? What will the consequences be?

Thus facing the dilemma about allowing the commmercial production of the GM food and the growing protest amongst the common man Govt had to freeze the fate of Bt.brinjal untill further studies are conducted and people are brought into confidence.