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Sharad Pawar, the Union agriculture minister of India, brushing off all the charges, asserted that he is in favor of the use of Bt Brinjal. He said that genetically-engineered Brinjal can be introduced in India, as the scientific body of Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has recommended this after running a set of tests and trials on the possible impact it can bear on nature.
Pawar said, “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”. According to GEAC, which has been appointed by environment ministry, Bt Brinjal is harmless. The agriculture minister is, however, of the opinion that it is the pesticides companies that are against the launch of Bt Brinjal in India.
Mr. Pawar added that the introduction of any new type of seed requires an approval from the environment ministry. Once it is given a clearance by the environment ministry, the issue is taken to the agriculture ministry for its approval. “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 told the launch of Bt Cotton was also protested about 6 years back. “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.”
Pawar added, “Farmers do not go by such opposition but they always weigh what is beneficial for them and for the country as a whole”.
He also criticized the non-government organisations (NGOs) for showing their disapproval for the introduction of Bt Brinjal in India. It was added that “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.”
Business Standard
February 5, 2010
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