Greenpeace spreading misinformation on Bt brinjal: Ramesh
October 14th, 2009 - 9:57 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh Wednesday slammed Greenpeace, a voluntary organisation, for spreading “wrong information” about the commercialisation of genetically modified Bt brinjal.
Opposing the introduction of Bt brinjal in India, Greenpeace has said India is the centre of origin and diversity of brinjal and if Bt brinjal is approved, this would be the first time in the world that a genetically modified crop is allowed in its centre of origin/diversity, risking bio-diversity.
“They have spread wrong information. I condemn it. I am for transparency. There is a way to conduct discourse,” Ramesh told reporters here.
He said the government would hear the views of those favouring and opposing the introduction of Bt brinjal before taking a final decision.
“There are arguments in favour of introduction. There are arguments against introduction,” he said.
Ramesh’s comments came hours after the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the biotechnology regulator, approved the commercialisation of genetically modified Bt brinjal.
If it gets the nod, Bt brinjal would be the first genetically modified food in India.
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- India is sharply divided over introduction of Bt Brinjal - Feb 09, 2010
- Explained: The ruckus over Bt Brinjal - Jan 30, 2010
- Decision on Bt. Brinjal not influenced by NGOs: Jairam (Second Lead) - Feb 26, 2012
- Bt.Brinjal decision not influenced by NGOs, asserts Jairam (Lead) - Feb 26, 2012
- Prime Minister to discuss Bt-brinjal issue - Feb 24, 2010
- West Bengal farmers, experts oppose Bt Brinjal - Jan 13, 2010
- State chiefs don't want hasty decision on Bt brinjal: Jairam Ramesh - Jan 28, 2010
- Biotechnology should not harm bio-diversity: Ramesh - Apr 19, 2010
- Baba Ramdev talks tough on BT brinjal issue - Jan 31, 2010
- Bt Brinjal: Greenpeace condemns government's double talk - Jan 22, 2010
- No decision on Bt Brinjal release before February (Roundup) - Oct 15, 2009
- Bt Brinjal safe for humans, says science ministry (Lead) - Jan 19, 2010
Tags: bio diversity, biotechnology, brinjal, commercialisation, discourse, favour, final decision, food in india, forests, genetic engineering, greenpeace, minister of state, misinformation, New Delhi, nod, ramesh, time in the world, transparency, voluntary organisation
