Chhattisgarh opposes introduction of Bt brinjal

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has opposed introduction of Bt Brinjal in the state saying there is need to conduct more tests to ensure if it is safe for consumption.

In a letter the Union Minister of State for Environment Jairam Ramesh, the state government has specified its objection to the genetically modified brinjal, officials said here on Monday.

They said the state pointed out the ill-effects of the introduction of Bt Brinjal.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Agrotech Society president Manohar Adil said if the government allowed the commercial planting of Bt brinjal, the farmers would always need to buy its seeds from one particular company at a higher price. That would destroy the domestically available brinjal seeds.

Even internationally, not many countries have allowed genetically modified seeds, he pointed out.