Bt brinjal: No decision yet, final call by Feb 10: Ramesh

Jammu, Feb 2(PTI) Indian Environment Minister Jairam
Ramesh Tuesday categorically said no final decision has been
taken on commercial introduction of Bt brinjal and that the
Centre's stand will be known by February 10, as Kerala joined
a chorus of opposing states.

"No decision has been taken on Bt brinjal so far in view
of ongoing public hearings completed so far in six cities,"
Ramesh told reporters, as the consultations across the country
to gain consensus on use of the genetically modified crop
comes to a close this week.
"Genetically Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)
which is a scientific body in my ministry has given approval
for Bt brinjal's commercial production.
"... but let me once again say clearly and categorically
that the final decision rests with the Centre and as the
minister concerned I have to take decision on GEAC
recommendations," said Ramesh.
The Minister said he will hold a meeting in Bangalore on
the issue on February 7. "By February 10, I will take a final
decision whether the GM food should be commercially produced."
Ramesh, who has so far held meetings in six cities,
has met with strong opposition from scientists, farmers and
activists against the proposed decision to introduce the Bt
brinjal in the market. His remarks are also at variance with
India's Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar's position that the
Centre has nothing to do with the GEAC decision.
In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Chief Minister V S
Achuthanandan strongly opposed any move to introduce Bt
brinjal and other Genetically Modified food crops in the
country, saying it would lead to 'colonisation of the food
sector'. West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa are among the opposing
states.
Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury
said people must be made aware that what is being introduced
is not harmful for their health. PTI AJ
RBT


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