<p>"No decision has been taken on commercial genetically modified brinjal so far in view of ongoing public hearings being completed so far in six cities. "On February 7, I will hold a meeting in Bangalore on the issue and by February 10, I will take a final decision whether the GM food should be commercially produced," Ramesh told reporters here.<br /><br />The Minister, who has so far held meetings in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh has been met with strong opposition from scientists, farmers and activists against the proposed decision to introduce the Bt brinjal in the market.<br /><br />Ramesh is on a day's visit to the city on the occasion of International Wetland Day being celebrated today.<br /><br />"Genetically Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) which is a scientific body in my ministry has given approval for Bt brinjal's commercial production... but let me once again say clearly and categorically that the final decision rests with the Centre and as the minister concerned I have to take decision on GEAC recommendations," said Ramesh. <br /><br />Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury favoured the country-wide protests against Bt brinjal, saying people must be aware of what is harmful for their health, and the Left was very concerned about what is in the interest of public health.<br /><br />Yechury said "Ramesh has assured that after public hearings and various other considerations, only then the government would come out with a decision."<br /><br />However, even as Ramesh is yet to decide on the fate of Bt brinjal, Agriculture and Science and Technology Ministers Sharad Pawar and Prithviraj Chavan have already supported the GM food, saying the Centre has nothing to do with the GEAC decision.<br /><br />Bt brinjal is a transgenic brinjal created by inserting a gene into the vegetable. A US-based multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation and a Maharashtra-based Indian company market BT brinjal in the country. If commercially allowed, it would be the first GM food in the country and would pave way for many others which are waiting for approval.</p>
<p>"No decision has been taken on commercial genetically modified brinjal so far in view of ongoing public hearings being completed so far in six cities. "On February 7, I will hold a meeting in Bangalore on the issue and by February 10, I will take a final decision whether the GM food should be commercially produced," Ramesh told reporters here.<br /><br />The Minister, who has so far held meetings in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh has been met with strong opposition from scientists, farmers and activists against the proposed decision to introduce the Bt brinjal in the market.<br /><br />Ramesh is on a day's visit to the city on the occasion of International Wetland Day being celebrated today.<br /><br />"Genetically Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) which is a scientific body in my ministry has given approval for Bt brinjal's commercial production... but let me once again say clearly and categorically that the final decision rests with the Centre and as the minister concerned I have to take decision on GEAC recommendations," said Ramesh. <br /><br />Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury favoured the country-wide protests against Bt brinjal, saying people must be aware of what is harmful for their health, and the Left was very concerned about what is in the interest of public health.<br /><br />Yechury said "Ramesh has assured that after public hearings and various other considerations, only then the government would come out with a decision."<br /><br />However, even as Ramesh is yet to decide on the fate of Bt brinjal, Agriculture and Science and Technology Ministers Sharad Pawar and Prithviraj Chavan have already supported the GM food, saying the Centre has nothing to do with the GEAC decision.<br /><br />Bt brinjal is a transgenic brinjal created by inserting a gene into the vegetable. A US-based multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation and a Maharashtra-based Indian company market BT brinjal in the country. If commercially allowed, it would be the first GM food in the country and would pave way for many others which are waiting for approval.</p>
