Kolkata, Jan 13 (IANS) Majority of farmers, scientists, academicians and social groups in Kolkata Wednesday raised their voices against the introduction of Bt Brinjal — a genetically modified version of the vegetable — in West Bengal.
Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh held a four-hour long discussions with the experts at the Bose Institute to arrive at a consensus over the commercialisation of Bt Brinjal in the state.

“Many farmers and scientists voiced their concerns during the public consultation in the presence of the union minister. When quite a few farmers talked about the viability of Bt Brinjal cultivation, the scientists and green groups raised the issue of bio-technology and environmental friendliness of this new agricultural produce,” said Sukla Deb Mitra of Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC).

Ramesh said a report, based on the public consultation, will be finalised by Feb 5 on the issue of genitally modified crop cultivation.

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) had given approval for the commercialisation of Bt Brinjal in October last year after seven years of prolonged research.

To arrive at a consensus, the union environment and forest ministry also initiated a public discussion on the issue.

“I have also written to all chief ministers seeking their views on the issue,” Ramesh said.

The issue of Bt Brinjal’s commercialisation is important as the state accounts for almost 30 percent of the country’s total 27,000-tonne brinjal production.