Bihar not too "enthusiastic about Bt- brinjal"

december 5, farmer's comission of Bihar suspects the claims made by Mahyco regarding yield capacity and eco friendliness of Bt-brinjal. In a meeting organized by the comission, the views expressed were, "current varieties of brinjal seems to be more suitable from the health and taste point of view. Production of the produce is also at the higher side." It should be noted that government of Bihar always take into account the recommendations made by the comission before taking any decision which will have an impact over the agrarian society. chief secretary of the Department of agriculture, Mr. K.C. Saha pointed out that as the decisive power lies with the centre, state government is still in the thought making process.

According to Scientists, Seeds of bt- brinjal costs 50000 INR per kg, hence it will be a much costly affair for the farmers. Various scientists, officials of agriculture department and Activists opined that Government should not permit marketing of Bt-brinjal at this juncture, where there is much need of field level experiments for possible health hazard and ecological imbalance. Few Scienists also claimed that Bt- brinjal may add to some of the genetically modified unwanted genes in the food web. Supporting their point, they quoted that only 6 counteries in the world are mostly relying upon GM crops. And in spite of continuous protests there have been cultivation of Bt brinjal in Bihar without prior consent.