By Dean Nelson in New Delhi

INDIA DUMPS GM CROPS

An anti-GM protestor dressed as an aubergine waits for the arrival of
Indian Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh
Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The environment minister had been expected to announce the go-ahead
for GM aubergine, known in India as Bt brinjal, after a government
committee of scientific experts announced its backing.

Since then farmers have led a national campaign against the proposal,
citing concerns over the effects of long-term human consumption and
the impact on farmers who would have to buy the seeds from an Indian
partner of the American biotech giant Monsanto. They claim it would
leave farmers poorer and lead to more suicides.


The new variety was created to minimise crop destruction by insects
and reduce pesticide use. It contains a toxic protein which kills
fruit and shoot borers, which is destroyed during cooking and in the
human gut.

Its approval would have paved the way for more than 50 other
genetically-modified crops currently being developed.

Jairam Ramesh said more independent studies on the impact on human
health were needed before it could be commercially released.

"There is no overriding urgency to introduce it ... When the public
sentiments have been negative, it is my duty to adopt a cautious,
precautionary and principle-based approach," he said.

"I will not impose a decision till such time independent scientific
studies establish safety of the product from long-term view of human
health."

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