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India Stops Release of First GM Food
By ERIKA KINETZ (Associated Press Writer)
Posted Feb 11, 2010
MUMBAI, India - India halted the release of its first genetically modified food crop Tuesday, saying further study needed to be done to guarantee consumer safety.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters more independent research must be conducted to ensure the hybrid eggplant was safe for human consumption, after a government committee approved the commercial release of the genetically modified, pest-resistant crop in October.
Ramesh's announcement came after a heated public outcry from state officials, farmers, scientists and non-governmental groups.
"Public sentiment is negative. It is my duty to adopt a cautious approach," Ramesh said.
Leaders from states that account for at least 60 percent of eggplant grown in India said they would ban its cultivation no matter what the central government decided.
Advocates of genetically modified crops say they cut down on pesticide use, increase yields and are the only way to meet the world's growing food needs. Detractors question their safety and say they undermine biodiversity and drive poor farmers deeper into debt.
The only genetically modified crop now under commercial cultivation in India is cotton.
Date: Feb 9, 2010
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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