New Delhi: Under pressure from the public, farmers, NGOs and environmentalists, the government has refused to allow the commercial cultivation of genetically modified vegetable, Bt Brinjal. The decision was announced by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.

 

Ramesh said that there was no clear consensus among the scientists and stake holders, which convinced the government that more studies needed to be conducted.

 

At least 13 Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Orissa, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh had opposed the cultivation of Bt Brinjal and conveyed their decisions to the Centre.

 

Jairam Ramesh held a series of public consultations in seven Indian cities, which made him realise about the public sentiments against Bt Brinjal. Ramesh admitted that it was not an easy decision for him, as he always advocated the cultivation of Bt Brinjal in India.

 

Mahyco-Monsanto Biotech, which develops the genetically-modified foods, is responsible for the development of Bt Brinjal. The company always maintained that the vegetable won't affect the humans, which was contended by some NGOs and scientists.