The Bt Brinjal Minister is continuing his road show around the country presumably to 'elicit' views from the consumers about the advisability of clearing introduction of the GM version of this poor man's vegetable in the country. In a recent interaction with the media, the Minister felt that all those who are protagonists of GM foods should not be accused of supporting the business interest of the multinational seed supplier and others opposing could not be branded as anti-technology. He further promised to take a decision before February 10, 2010 on the issue. In spite of many protests and demonstrations against Bt Brinjal, there are still some supporters who believe it is safe. Here is one of the cases where an argument is being put forward by an NRI scientist from the US as to why Brinjal, of all the vegetables in India, needs genetic modification.
"We need it to bring down the cost of cultivation. Sixty to 70% of planted brinjal is lost to pests during cultivation. Farmers use insecticides and sprays that are harmful to the soil as well as to the labourers working on farms. Brinjal has no natural resistance to the stem borer (pest). Hence, there is a need to have a variant that is resistant to the pest. The alternative technology, other than conventional breeding, that helps achieve this is Bt. Through this technology, cost and pollution can be reduced and the produce will be bountiful. Moreover, the technology is ready to deliver the product now. There are 2,500 varieties of brinjal. If Bt brinjal were to be introduced, will it not affect biodiversity? The premise that that the introduction of Bt brinjal will destroy biodiversity is a scientific falsehood. There are no more than 200 varieties of brinjals".
As a democratic country India must respect the views of every "citizen" who has a right to be heard on any issue concerning the welfare of the country. But the pedestrian "opinion" like the above volunteered by foreign nationals with 'desi' sounding names, not based on ground realities in India, smells of a pronounced bias in favor of the business group that promotes GM foods, ignoring the inherent risks involved for millions of people in this country and affecting the very foundation of our agriculture.
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