Citing a lack of scientific consensus and the absence of any “over-riding urgency”, the government today put an indefinite “moratorium” on the introduction of a genetically-modified brinjal developed after ten years of research, which was cleared by India’s apex technical committee three months ago.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, who took the decision, questioned the logic of letting private companies drive biotechnology research in agriculture. The brinjal in question has been developed by Mahyco — a private firm in which global seed major Monsanto holds a 26% stake — in collaboration with two Indian agricultural universities.
“We cannot depend on private sector to drive the biotechnology research in our agriculture sector. I think research in seeds is as strategic as space or nuclear research. I am therefore a firm believer in the strong involvement of public sector research in agriculture sector,” Ramesh told reporters.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-overrules-own-experts-puts-bt-brinjal-in-deep-freeze/577952/
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/jairam-puts-bt-brinjalhold/385219/
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_no-bt-brinjal-on-your-plates-for-now-govt_1345752
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Govt-overrules-own-experts--puts-Bt-brinjal-in-deep-freeze/577715/
!! Congradulations to all who tried for it..!!Bravo..
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