NEW DELHI (Commodity Online) : Following wide spread opposition from across the country, India on Tuesday decided not to introduce commercial variety of Bt Brinjal.

Announcing the decision here, Minister for Environment Jairam Ramesh said there is not enough scientific research material available on the possible long term impacts of the genetically modified (GM) crop.

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He was imposing a moratorium on GM crops till the time independent scientific research did not produce satisfactory results.

When there is no unity in scientists on the issue; state governments have opposed it; when Bt Brinjal will be the first GM food to be introduced in India, it is my duty to adopt a precautionary approach,” he said.

The minister cited opposition from scientists, civil society groups, common citizens, as a basis for his decision.

“A lot of submissions have been made from various entities. The GEAC will look into the matter again on the principles given by eminent scientists like Swaminathan, Bhargava etc.

He added that there was no urgency to introduce the Bt Brinjal.

"I have followed democratic, transparent and often acrimonious process. I have put my decision before people," Jairam said of his tour of various cities where he sought views of the scientific comunity and civil society on the issue.

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