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The recent developments on the introduction of the genetically modified Bt Brinjal has divided Indian scientists, politicians and the activists over the issue of whether it should be introduced or not.
Bt Brinjal is a trans-genic brinjal created by inserting a gene (Cry 1Ac) from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringenisis (Bt) into brinjal.
It is said that the insertion of the gene into the vegetable would give the plant resistance against insects like the brinjal fruit and shoot borer. The pests die from the ingestion of the Bt toxin.
Earlier in October, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) had cleared Bt Brinjal for commercial release in October, saying that it would reduce the farmers' dependence on pesticides and enable higher yields for the farmers.
The GEAC view was also by Science and Technology Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Director General Samir Brahmachari and Department of Biotechnology Secretary M.K. Bhan. They have also supported the introduction of Bt Brinjal saying that it is safe for human consumption.
Though, GEAC had given its approval, still the final approval has to be given by the by the environment ministry. Accordingly, Environment minister Jairam Ramesh had completed a series of talks on the issue in various cities of India. However, some states like West Bengal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttrakhand have opposed the move.
According to the above state governments, they should be clarified the consequences of the cross-pollination between Bt and ordinary brinjal and the long term effects of Bt Brinjal on human health.
The other issues which are concerning the state governments are the lack of labelling system and exposure of test report from the GEAC.
"A moratorium should be placed on the release for the time being. The regulatory system needs strengthening and proper tests need to be done independently," Pushpa Bhargava, Supreme Court appointee to the GEAC, told the media.
The only genetically modified crop cultivated commercially in India now is Bt Cotton. India has also a large area under its cultivation. And, India is now the sixth largest country to produce genetically modified crops. There are only 14 countries that cultivate GM food crops in the world.
After Bt Brinjal, there are many more genetically modified food crops awaiting GEAC approval including 25 kinds of rice, 23 kinds of tomatoes and may more food crops.
