Bt Brinjal deferred

Finally yesterday Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has placed a moratorium on commercial cultivation of the GM crop Bt brinjal.In my post dated october 16 2009,I have written as follows.

'One hopes Government would be prudent enough to study all aspects encompassing biosafety,potential health hazards,environmental concerns etc before taking a decision on Bt Brinjal,even if it means a long delay.'

It is understandabe that several chief ministers have raised apprehensions over the potential threat to health and livelihood of farmers.No country in the world has approved commercial cultivation of GM crop in Brinjal.Why should India take a lead in this, knowing fully well the pitfalls.The hazards clearly outweigh the benefits.In such a situation in a predominantly agrarian country,the interests of the farmers must be protected.More so when animal and human health are endangered.More importantly the effect of Bt toxin on soil ecology is yet to be studied comprehensively. In any case it is good Jairam Ramesh has deferred the decision to introduce Bt brinjal for the time being.