Hyderabad:
In India, genetic modification (GM) of food is another technology seen by many as controversial.
Amid repeated pro and anti protests, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has said that he won't be swayed by either side, when he decides - within the next 10 days - whether or not India will grow and eat Bt brinjal. The minister says, so far, most state governments have spoken out against the first genetically modified food crop being considered by the country.
"Most Chief Ministers want us to go slowly, and not take a hastydecision. They want more studies and tests. Rightly so, because Btcotton is an industrial commodity, while Bt brinjal eill be part of ourdaily diet," said Ramesh.
Sunday's public hearing in Hyderabad on the proposed introduction of Bt brinjal turned into a show of strength by the lobbies both for and againstgenetically modified vegetables.
Those demanding the Bt brinjal argue that it would decrease the use of pesticides. "I spray very less on Bt cotton, and hope it will be the same with Bt Brinjal," says pro-GM farmer Jaipal Reddy.
The anti-GM lobby isn't convinced. "The fact that farmers admit to growing Bt Brinjal seeds, clearly indicates a violation of the code of conduct; they should be arrested immediately,'' says anti-GM farmer Bhavani Prasad.
Civil groups feel no decision should be taken in a hurry as it is a one-way road, and adequate tests have not been carried out to guarantee that it is safe for human consumption.
Whether or not Bt brinal makes it from the lab and field trials to the farmers' field and your plate, the good news is that the GEAC will go from being the Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee to the Genetic Engineering Assessment Committee - constituting more scientists.