Decision on Bt Brinjal not before six months

During January and February 2010,I propose to have a series of consultations in different places with scientists,agriculture experts,farmers organisations,consumer groups and NGOs. All points of view will be represented in these discussions, Ramesh said in a statement a day after the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee declared Bt Brinjal to be bio-safe and fit for consumption by human beings.

In the meanwhile,the report of the Expert Committee on Bt Brinjal,which formed the basis of GEACs decision,has been put in the public domain and all stakeholders have been invited to give their comments by December 31.

Genetically modified crops have been the subject of intense public debate in India. As of now,only the genetically modified variety of cotton is permitted to be grown in the country. If cleared,Bt Brinjal would become the first genetically modified food crop to be allowed to be cultivated. The transgenic variety is supposed to have a much greater resistance to pests which are responsible for the damage of almost 50-70 per cent of brinjal yield in the country.

Strong views have already been expressed on the Bt Brinjal issue,both for and against. My objective is to arrive at careful,considered decision in the public and national interest. The decision will be made only after the consultations process is complete and all stakeholders are satisfied that they have been heard to their satisfaction, Ramesh said in a statement.