By IANS,
New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar Thursday said the moratorium on the commercial release of Bt Brinjal has “disheartened” the scientific community in the country.
“I am worried that the scientific community is disheartened (by the decision). In fact, they are nervous,” Pawar told women journalists during a conversation at the Indian Women’s Press Corps here.
The minister said it has to be seen how productivity can be increased and simultaneously ensure that whatever new technology is coming it does not affect animal health, soil, water and environment.
“In the last 30-35 years, a lot of research has been done in our country. But the government has given approval to only one genetically modified crop – transgenic cotton,” he added.
The environment ministry Feb 10 imposed a moratorium on the introduction of Bt Brinjal in the country and said further studies need to be done to know the impact of genetically modified (GM)crops on health and environment.
Pawar had advocated the introduction of GM foods in India, saying the moratorium was sending out wrong signals and was stopping investments in the Indian agro-technology sector.