GOVERNMENT ASKS BT BRINJAL DEVELOPERS TO DEPOSIT SEED STOCK - USDA FAS

GOVERNMENT ASKS BT BRINJAL DEVELOPERS TO DEPOSIT SEED STOCK - USDA FAS

The Government has said that Mahyco, the developer of Bt brinjal (egg plant), has been asked to deposit the seed stock with the National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources to prevent any potential leakage and contamination till it’s safety is proven. "There is no chance of Bt brinjal making a backdoor entry through leakages of its seeds till it is cleared by an independent regulatory body," Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh informed the Rajya Sabha. He said some state governments, NGOs and sections of the scientific and farming communities have expressed apprehensions on the safety of Bt brinjal and its long-term impact on human health and environment. (Source: PTI, 03/15/10)