India delays first GM vegetable

PHOTO

The GM eggplants received approval from Indian government scientists last October.[www.flickr.com: bdesveaux]

Last Updated: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:29:00 +1100

India has refused to grant permission for the commercial cultivation of its first genetically modified food crop.

Citing problems of public trust and "inadequate" science, environment Minister Jairam Ramesh says he is imposing a moratorium on the introduction of an aubergine modified with a gene toxic to pests.

Indian regulators had approved the new aubergine back in October and its introduction would have made it the first genetically modified foodstuff to be grown in India.

But the decision roused huge opposition from a broad spectrum of the society.

Backers of the genetically modified aubergine say the product would boost yields by up to 50 percent, while reducing dependence on pesticides.

But critics point to possible long-term health problems, and warn it would open the doors to a flood of other genetically modified food crops.