It could be coming soon to a plate near you. Genetically-modified (GM) brinjal has been given the thumbs up by a committee of experts. Now it's upto the government to decide whether BT brinjal, as it's known, can be commercially released.

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the biotechnology regulatory body of the Government of India, has been studying BT brinjal, amid opposition from food experts and civil groups. They point out that there's not enough research to predict the long-term impact of GM food on either humans or the environment. Most countries in Europe do not permit GM food.

"I am not satisfied with the way the study has been conducted. I wanted a scientific debate. We don't know what the long term impact of this could be," laments Dr Pushpa Bhargava, molecular biologist and member of the GEAC.

The genetic material of GM crops is altered to help either producers or consumers. In India, BT cotton is the only commercially approved biotech crop. BT brinjal has been developed by The Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (Mahyco). It's been tweaked to resist a particular strain of pest that affects the vegetable.

Mahcyo argues that BT brinjal helps farmers because it's sturdier, and therefore results in higher yield, while allowing them to save on pesticides. "Bt brinjal is going to increase yield by 100 per cent. It will reduce pesticide consumption to the extent of 60 per cent," explains M K Sharma, General Manager, Mahyco.

Supporters of BT brinjal say BT cotton has been a big success. They quote statistics that show BT cotton helped India to become the world's second-largest producer and exporter of cotton.

Speaking on the development, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said, "I won't be under pressure from anyone to take a decision and will study the panel's report before giving clearance."