India Finally Approves GM Bt Brinjal

Matt Hopkins Posted by Matt Hopkins|14 October 2009

Indian regulators have for the first time approved the introduction of a genetically-modified (GM) food crop, reports BBC News. Bt brinjal, the new variety of aubergine, or eggplant — a vegetable popularly used in Indian cuisine — has been developed by one of India’s largest seed companies, Mahyco.
Mahyco says the GM vegetable is more resistant to natural pests and will help improve output, but anti-GM groups oppose its introduction, saying that
there are serious health concerns. However, the crop is expected to be approved by the Indian government, which already allows GM cotton to be grown.

Mahyco has been conducting field trials on GM aubergines across 11 sites for the past three years. Earlier this year the seed company submitted its research data to the Indian government’s biotechnology regulatory body, which has given its approval. The issue will now go before the cabinet, which is also expected to back the proposal.

Once it goes into production, it will be the first GM food to hit the Indian market and the first GM aubergine to be produced anywhere in the world.

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