In a major setback to the production of genetically modified (GM)
foods in the country, a parliamentary panel on agriculture asked the
government to ban all field trials of GM crops until it develops until
it develops a better system of monitoring and oversight.
In the 389-page report submitted in the parliament on 9 August 2012,
the panel also demanded a complete probe into how permission was granted
in 2009 for the commercialisation of Bt brinjal (also known as
aubergine, or eggplant). Bt Brinjal was developed by Pune-based Mahyco
(Maharashtra Hybrid Company) in a joint venture with US seed giant
Monsanto.
The Genetic Engeneering Appraisal Committee had cleared the
commercialization of Bt Brinjal on 14 October 2009, though soon after
its clearance it was caught amidst bitter controversies ranging from its
environmental impacts to ethical concerns such as corporate control of
the food supply and intellectual property rights. Bt cotton was the only
GM crop before Bt Brinjal which had got clearance for
commercialization.
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