Protesters say no to BT Brinjal in a unique way

The idea of BT Brinjal and genetically modified crops must be sounding delicious to the government, but it is not finding many takers in the farmlands and households.

The idea of BT Brinjal and genetically modified crops must be sounding delicious to the government, but it is not finding many takers in the farmlands and households.

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This is what Greenpeace, the NGO fighting against the introduction of genetically modified crops, claims.

In a unique protest against BT Brinjal, Greenpeace, along with chefs of hotel Le Méridien, cooked 342 kg of organic brinjal bharta on Tuesday at Dilli Haat, making it a world record. Some bharta was also dispatched to Prime Minister’s house with a letter of protest.

“At Le Méridien, we believe in doing whatever we can to ensure safe food and a sustainable environment. We are happy that we could do our bit by joining this movement for safe food,” said Davinder Kumar, executive chef and vice-president (Food and Beverages), Le Méridien.

The record also found space in the Limca book of world. Renowned food show presenter Rocky Singh, who has extended his support to the cause said, “Through this event, we want to spread the message that Indians should say no to genetically modified food and Biotechnology Regularity Authority of India Bill (BRAI), 2011, as such food is very dangerous for health.”

The activists pooled in over 200 kg of brinjals and 300 kg of spices and ingredients. “Genetically modified food is poisonous and will also kill small farmers by creating a monopoly of a single seed manufacturing company,” said Kapil Mishra, sustainable agriculture campaigner with Greenpeace India. Many RWAs and farmers associations also joined the unique protest.