Final decision on BT brinjal in March 2010

Commercial introduction of Bt brinjal, approved by India’s biotech regulator Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), has to wait till March 2010.

Commercial introduction of Bt brinjal, approved by India’s biotech regulator Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), has to wait till March 2010.

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A day after stiff resistance from several groups against the commercial introduction of the crop, Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said the government will take a decision only after holding a series of consultations with scientists, farmers and consumer groups and NGOs in January and February.

“Strong views have already been expressed on the Bt brinjal issue, both for and against,” Ramesh said in a statement. “My objective is to arrive at careful, considered decision in the public and national interest.”