A genetically modified aubergine has been approved for growth in India as the country carefully considers a move into large-scale cultivation of genetically modified food crops.

The country’s top regulatory authority for transgenic crops, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), has given its in-principle approval for the commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal, a pest-resistant variety of the vegetable.

Pending approval from environment minister Jairam Ramesh, Bt Brinjal will be the first genetically modified edible item to be cleared for commercial cultivation in the country.

It has been developed by the Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company in conjunction with technology sourced from US multinational Monsanto. Partners in its development also included the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University.

India currently allows just one genetically modified crop, Bt Cotton, to be grown following its clearance for production in 2002. The crop has been a huge success since then, multiplying the yield many times.

Around 50 other genetically modified crops, nearly 40 of which are food items, are under various stages of development in the country. These include rice, tomato, cabbage, wheat and watermelon.

The GEAC’s decision came after two years of large-scale field trials of Bt Brinjal at 11 locations across the country. At its meeting, the GEAC declared it “bio-safe” and fit to be released in the environment. It referred the matter to the environment minister for the final clearance.

The product is supposed to have greater resistance to these pests and it is also claimed it is more environment-friendly.

Bt Brinjal, which is now just one step away from being cleared, has been the test case for transgenic crops in the country. But Ramesh has in the past made a distinction between Bt Cotton and Bt Brinjal, arguing that the former is a non-edible item and, therefore, need not necessarily be the reason why other transgenic crops should also be allowed for cultivation.

Ramesh told The Indian Express:“I am aware that there are strong opinions both for and against Bt Brinjal. I am not going to be swayed by either of them. I am going to take a decision based on the merits of the case in the interest of the country and of public health.”

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