The Centre will take a decision on the mode of introduction of Bt brinjal in the country by February this year, hoping to reach a consensus by then.
The Union environment ministry will also come out with a status report based on the public hearings on Bt brinjal by that time. The controversial Bt brinjal was cleared by the country?s bio-technology regulator last year for commercial cultivation.
?A report based on the public discussion on Bt Brinjal will come up by February 5,? said Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh.
Present in Kolkata for the first hearing on Bt brinjal, Ramesh said: ?Nobody has a monopoly on truth. I hope that discussions will be true to the scientific spirit and spirit of questioning… Through the discussion I am not judging the future of Bt Technology but want a limited feedback on what is next on Bt brinjal,?
He said the regulatory authority appointed by the Centre?Genetic Engineering Approval Committee? has given its approval for introduction and commercial release of Bt brinjal after seven years of research.
In spite of that, the Centre has decided to hold seven public consultations to include views of stakeholders. The final report will have views of all stakeholders based on which the Centre will take the decision. The first hearing in Kolkata was marked by protests from scientists, farmers and various organisations on this issue. The issue of the cultivation of Bt brinjal is sensitive in West Bengal as the state produces almost 30% (27,000 tonne) of brinjal over 1.5 lakh hectares.
In a letter written to Ramesh in November last year, chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee expressed concern over the proposal to allow commercial cultivation of genetically-modified Bt-brinjal. He argued that it had the potential to threaten bio-diversity, destabilise eco-systems and limit future agricultural possibilities. While other states like Kerela, MP, Bihar , Orrissa have expressed their concern, Ramesh has written to all chief ministers seeking their views on this issue.