India halts release of GM aubergine
India’s environment minister has halted the commercial release of its first genetically modified food crop for public health tests
India halted the release of its first genetically modified food crop today, saying further study needed to be done to guarantee consumer safety.
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters more independent research must be conducted to ensure the hybrid eggplant was safe for human consumption, after a government committee approved the commercial release of the genetically modified, pest-resistant crop in October.
Ramesh’s announcement came after an outcry from state officials, farmers, scientists and non-governmental groups.
“Public sentiment is negative. It is my duty to adopt a cautious approach,” Ramesh said.
Leaders from states that account for at least 60% of eggplant grown in India said they would ban its cultivation no matter what the central government decided.
Advocates of genetically modified crops say they cut down on pesticide use, increase yields and are the only way to meet the world’s growing food needs. Detractors question their safety and say they undermine biodiversity and drive poor farmers deeper into debt.
The only genetically modified crop now under commercial cultivation in India is cotton.
first genetically modified food crop
first genetically modified food crop
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