If numerical strength and sheer emotions were to
be taken into account, the number of denials carried the house. The
affirmations, however, had the academicians on their side as well as
agricultural experts and even the humble farmer. Union Minister of
State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh, who was presiding
over the public consultation on Bt Brinjal did not give out his mind
but assured a decision by mid February.
The public consultation, which saw vocal
opposition among those who favour the introduction of Bt Brinjal as
recommended by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, and those
who oppose it, also saw a dharna and vociferous shouting by activists
of the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.
However, Jairam Ramesh seemed to be in his
element and even though he appeared much harassed, carried the day and
also earned appreciations from both pro and anti lobby for allowing
the democratic voice to be heard on the issue. The minister assured
that he would take a final decision based upon the laws of the land as
well as the feedback received by him from the public consultations
that were being conducted at a national level.
Those supporting the introduction of Bt Brinjal
included Dr IS Dua of Panjab University. He said fears that genetic
mutations affected other species did not have any scientific basis.
“In fact nutritional value and yield is likely to be higher in such
crops”, he added. Dr Govind Gujjar claimed biodiversity would not be
affected by the use of Bt Brinjal. Some farmers like Sant Ram and
Nathu Ram of Panchkula and Fatehabad, respectively, said the yield of
traditional varieties was decreasing and if Bt Brinjal was safe for
human consumption none should have objection to its cultivation in the
country.
Among those opposing the introduction of Bt
Brinjal was Umender Dutt of the Kheti Virasat Mission. He said no
mass-based epidemiological study had been conducted on the safety of
Bt Brinjal. Additional Advocate General Reeta Kohli said the issue
should not be seen as an economic one only, but viewed in a holistic
manner. She said the issue was not only of Bt Brinjal but that of
genetically modified foods.
Among the farmer organisations, though the BKU
(Mann) supported introduction of Bt Brinjal, the BKU (Ekta) as well as
the All India Kisan Sabha said the government should not be in a hurry
to take a decision on the issue.
