The Hindu Business Line : Bt brinjal

This is with reference to “Concerns over labelling of Bt brinjal for consumers” (Business Line, September 16). Bt brinjal is the first food crop in India that has received approval from the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee for commercial release.

The Centre has put the GEAC report in the public domain for detailed discussion. The Andhra Pradesh Government has appointed a high-level committee to look into the details and the Orissa Government has expressed its opposition to the introduction and farming of BT brinjal in the State.

NGOs and Greenpeace activists are up in arms against Bt brinjal commercialisation and are sure it will impact food security and the environment and cause health hazards among consumers. The argument in favour of BT brinjal is that it has undergone rigorous tests before being approved for release in India. But as the first edible crop to be given permission for commercialisation and human consumption, labelling is mandatory.

However, the fact is there is no labelling regime for GM foods in India and, till a system for this is in place, marketing of GM produce should not be allowed. Also, the government should bring a legislation to put GM foods under the joint regulation of the Ministries of Agriculture and Health and Environment.

India is not US. Let us not globalise everything for the sake of profits. First of all, what is the need for Bt brinjal in the country or, for that matter, any other GM crop? Commercialisation of any GM crop will certainly carry a high price tag and will be detrimental to the interests of small farmers. The experience of the AP Government in dealing with seed MNCs is a warning and is relevant for brinjal.

If the government is still convinced about the benefits of Bt brinjal after wide consultations with research institutes such as ICAR, and gives its final nod, there should be an awareness campaign in the print and electronic media, particularly in local languages, putting out facts and figures about the ‘benefits’ of this GM crop.

K.N.V.S.Subrahmanyam Hyderabad

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