Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 73
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 73
Cake\Controller\Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 610
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 94
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 235
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\RoutingMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/RoutingMiddleware.php, line 162
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\AssetMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/AssetMiddleware.php, line 88
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 74
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 74
Cake\Controller\Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 610
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 94
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 235
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\RoutingMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/RoutingMiddleware.php, line 162
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\AssetMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/AssetMiddleware.php, line 88
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Code Context
            if (Configure::read('debug')) {

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		&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle&#039;,
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&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;/font&gt;
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv&lt;br /&gt;ation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot; title=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-&lt;br /&gt;of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot; title=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161&lt;br /&gt;7850.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot; title=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C&lt;br /&gt;ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food&lt;br /&gt;.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot; title=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja&lt;br /&gt;l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-&lt;br /&gt;consumption.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot; title=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for&lt;br /&gt;-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot; title=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat&lt;br /&gt;ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl&lt;br /&gt;y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate&lt;br /&gt;-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot; title=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton&lt;br /&gt;o=373318&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie&lt;br /&gt;w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si&lt;br /&gt;gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;id&#039; =&gt; (int) 290,
	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
	&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;/font&gt;
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv&lt;br /&gt;ation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot; title=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-&lt;br /&gt;of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot; title=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161&lt;br /&gt;7850.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot; title=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C&lt;br /&gt;ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food&lt;br /&gt;.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot; title=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja&lt;br /&gt;l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-&lt;br /&gt;consumption.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot; title=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for&lt;br /&gt;-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot; title=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat&lt;br /&gt;ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl&lt;br /&gt;y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate&lt;br /&gt;-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot; title=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton&lt;br /&gt;o=373318&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie&lt;br /&gt;w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si&lt;br /&gt;gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#039;
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                <strong>Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle</strong></h1>
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                <p align="justify"><br /><font >The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (</font><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/" title="http://www.greenpeace.org/">http://www.greenpeace.org/</a><font >) and a host of other civil society organizations. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.</font></p><p align="justify"><font >There are others who have supported the GEAC&rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></font></p><p align="justify"><font >The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. </font></p><p align="justify"><font ><em>Further readings</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font >Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009<br /></font><a href="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html" title="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html">http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv<br />ation-of-Bt-b.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html" title="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-<br />of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp" title="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp">http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161<br />7850.jsp</a><font >&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, <br /></font><a href="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html" title="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html">http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C<br />ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food<br />.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448" title="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448">http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja<br />l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html" title="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html">http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-<br />consumption.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm</a><font >&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009<br /></font><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/" title="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/">http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for<br />-genetically-modified-vegetables/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece" title="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece">http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/" title="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/">http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat<br />ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm" title="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm">http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064" title="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064">http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl<br />y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064</a><font >#<br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, <br /></font><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms" title="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate<br />-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318" title="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318">http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton<br />o=373318</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/" title="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/">http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie<br />w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx" title="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si<br />gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx</a><font >#</font></p>               </font>
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv&lt;br /&gt;ation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot; title=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-&lt;br /&gt;of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot; title=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161&lt;br /&gt;7850.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot; title=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C&lt;br /&gt;ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food&lt;br /&gt;.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot; title=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja&lt;br /&gt;l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-&lt;br /&gt;consumption.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot; title=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for&lt;br /&gt;-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot; title=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat&lt;br /&gt;ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl&lt;br /&gt;y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate&lt;br /&gt;-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot; title=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton&lt;br /&gt;o=373318&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie&lt;br /&gt;w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si&lt;br /&gt;gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;id&#039; =&gt; (int) 290,
	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
	&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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$metaTitle = &#039;News Alerts | Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle&#039;
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv&lt;br /&gt;ation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot; title=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-&lt;br /&gt;of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot; title=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161&lt;br /&gt;7850.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot; title=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C&lt;br /&gt;ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food&lt;br /&gt;.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot; title=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja&lt;br /&gt;l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-&lt;br /&gt;consumption.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot; title=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for&lt;br /&gt;-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot; title=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat&lt;br /&gt;ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl&lt;br /&gt;y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate&lt;br /&gt;-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot; title=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton&lt;br /&gt;o=373318&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie&lt;br /&gt;w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si&lt;br /&gt;gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#039;
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                <strong>Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle</strong></h1>
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                <p align="justify"><br /><font >The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (</font><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/" title="http://www.greenpeace.org/">http://www.greenpeace.org/</a><font >) and a host of other civil society organizations. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.</font></p><p align="justify"><font >There are others who have supported the GEAC&rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></font></p><p align="justify"><font >The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. </font></p><p align="justify"><font ><em>Further readings</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font >Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009<br /></font><a href="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html" title="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html">http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv<br />ation-of-Bt-b.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html" title="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-<br />of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp" title="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp">http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161<br />7850.jsp</a><font >&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, <br /></font><a href="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html" title="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html">http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C<br />ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food<br />.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448" title="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448">http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja<br />l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html" title="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html">http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-<br />consumption.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm</a><font >&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009<br /></font><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/" title="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/">http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for<br />-genetically-modified-vegetables/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece" title="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece">http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/" title="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/">http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat<br />ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm" title="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm">http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064" title="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064">http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl<br />y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064</a><font >#<br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, <br /></font><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms" title="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate<br />-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318" title="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318">http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton<br />o=373318</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/" title="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/">http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie<br />w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx" title="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si<br />gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx</a><font >#</font></p>               </font>
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    <link rel="canonical" href="https://im4change.in/<pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr67ef0213a606e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr67ef0213a606e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined variable: urlPrefix [<b>APP/Template/Layout/printlayout.ctp</b>, line <b>8</b>]<div id="cakeErr67ef0213a606e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr67ef0213a606e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr67ef0213a606e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr67ef0213a606e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr67ef0213a606e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr67ef0213a606e-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"></span><span style="color: #007700">&lt;</span><span style="color: #0000BB">head</span><span style="color: #007700">&gt;
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		&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle&#039;,
		&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
		&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;/font&gt;
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv&lt;br /&gt;ation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot; title=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-&lt;br /&gt;of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot; title=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161&lt;br /&gt;7850.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot; title=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C&lt;br /&gt;ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food&lt;br /&gt;.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot; title=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja&lt;br /&gt;l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-&lt;br /&gt;consumption.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot; title=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for&lt;br /&gt;-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot; title=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat&lt;br /&gt;ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl&lt;br /&gt;y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate&lt;br /&gt;-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot; title=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton&lt;br /&gt;o=373318&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie&lt;br /&gt;w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si&lt;br /&gt;gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle&#039;,
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&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;/font&gt;
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&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;arial,helvetica,sans-serif&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;#&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
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$metaTitle = &#039;News Alerts | Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle&#039;
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.greenpeace.org/&quot;&gt;http://www.greenpeace.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;) and a host of other civil society organizations. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&amp;rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&amp;rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;There are others who have supported the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&amp;rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;&lt;em&gt;Further readings&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html&quot;&gt;http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv&lt;br /&gt;ation-of-Bt-b.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot; title=&quot;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&quot;&gt;http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-&lt;br /&gt;of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot; title=&quot;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp&quot;&gt;http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161&lt;br /&gt;7850.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot; title=&quot;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html&quot;&gt;http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C&lt;br /&gt;ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food&lt;br /&gt;.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot; title=&quot;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&quot;&gt;http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja&lt;br /&gt;l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-&lt;br /&gt;consumption.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Say &amp;lsquo;no&amp;rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot; title=&quot;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/&quot;&gt;http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for&lt;br /&gt;-genetically-modified-vegetables/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets regulator&#039;s nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&quot;&gt;http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot; title=&quot;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&quot;&gt;http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat&lt;br /&gt;ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;font &gt;PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot; title=&quot;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&quot;&gt;http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot; title=&quot;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&quot;&gt;http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl&lt;br /&gt;y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot; title=&quot;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&quot;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate&lt;br /&gt;-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Experts&#039; panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot; title=&quot;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318&quot;&gt;http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton&lt;br /&gt;o=373318&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&quot;&gt;http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie&lt;br /&gt;w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt; &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot; title=&quot;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&quot;&gt;http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si&lt;br /&gt;gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;font &gt;#&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#039;
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                <strong>Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle</strong></h1>
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                <p align="justify"><br /><font >The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (</font><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/" title="http://www.greenpeace.org/">http://www.greenpeace.org/</a><font >) and a host of other civil society organizations. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.</font></p><p align="justify"><font >There are others who have supported the GEAC&rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></font></p><p align="justify"><font >The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. </font></p><p align="justify"><font ><em>Further readings</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font >Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009<br /></font><a href="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html" title="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html">http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv<br />ation-of-Bt-b.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html" title="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-<br />of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp" title="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp">http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161<br />7850.jsp</a><font >&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, <br /></font><a href="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html" title="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html">http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C<br />ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food<br />.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448" title="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448">http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja<br />l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html" title="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html">http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-<br />consumption.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm</a><font >&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009<br /></font><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/" title="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/">http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for<br />-genetically-modified-vegetables/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece" title="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece">http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/" title="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/">http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat<br />ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm" title="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm">http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064" title="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064">http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl<br />y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064</a><font >#<br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, <br /></font><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms" title="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate<br />-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318" title="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318">http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton<br />o=373318</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/" title="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/">http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie<br />w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx" title="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si<br />gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx</a><font >#</font></p>               </font>
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<br />
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (</font><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.greenpeace.org/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">) and a host of other civil society organizations. </font>
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<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&nbsp; </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.</font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">There are others who have supported the GEAC&rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
</font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"><em>Further readings</em></font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,</font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp; </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, <br />
</font><a href="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, <br />
</font><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">&nbsp; <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">#<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, <br />
</font><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, <br />
</font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, <br />
</font><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">#</font>
</p>
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...',
	'disp' => '<p align="justify"><br /><font >The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (</font><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/" title="http://www.greenpeace.org/">http://www.greenpeace.org/</a><font >) and a host of other civil society organizations. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.</font></p><p align="justify"><font >There are others who have supported the GEAC&rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></font></p><p align="justify"><font >The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. </font></p><p align="justify"><font ><em>Further readings</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font >Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009<br /></font><a href="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html" title="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html">http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv<br />ation-of-Bt-b.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html" title="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-<br />of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp" title="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp">http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161<br />7850.jsp</a><font >&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, <br /></font><a href="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html" title="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html">http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C<br />ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food<br />.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448" title="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448">http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja<br />l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html" title="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html">http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-<br />consumption.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm</a><font >&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009<br /></font><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/" title="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/">http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for<br />-genetically-modified-vegetables/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece" title="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece">http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/" title="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/">http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat<br />ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm" title="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm">http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064" title="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064">http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl<br />y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064</a><font >#<br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, <br /></font><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms" title="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate<br />-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318" title="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318">http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton<br />o=373318</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/" title="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/">http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie<br />w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx" title="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si<br />gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx</a><font >#</font></p>',
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	'title' => 'Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle',
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<br />
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (</font><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.greenpeace.org/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">) and a host of other civil society organizations. </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&nbsp; </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.</font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">There are others who have supported the GEAC&rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
</font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"><em>Further readings</em></font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,</font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp; </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, <br />
</font><a href="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, <br />
</font><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">&nbsp; <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009<br />
</font><a href="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> </font>
</p>
<p align="justify">
<font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">#<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, <br />
</font><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, <br />
</font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,<br />
</font><a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3"> <br />
&nbsp;<br />
Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, <br />
</font><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size="3">#</font>
</p>
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The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The...'
$disp = '<p align="justify"><br /><font >The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (</font><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/" title="http://www.greenpeace.org/">http://www.greenpeace.org/</a><font >) and a host of other civil society organizations. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples&rsquo; movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. </font></p><p align="justify"><font >The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India&rsquo;s problem of food security and malnutrition.</font></p><p align="justify"><font >There are others who have supported the GEAC&rsquo;s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></font></p><p align="justify"><font >The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC&rsquo;s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. </font></p><p align="justify"><font ><em>Further readings</em></font></p><p align="justify"><font >Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009,</font></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009<br /></font><a href="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html" title="http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultivation-of-Bt-b.html">http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv<br />ation-of-Bt-b.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html" title="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release-<br />of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp" title="http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_11617850.jsp">http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161<br />7850.jsp</a><font >&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></p><p align="justify"><font >Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, <br /></font><a href="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html" title="http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/Controversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food.html">http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C<br />ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food<br />.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448" title="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinjal-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448">http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja<br />l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html" title="http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-consumption.html">http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe-<br />consumption.html</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm" title="http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm</a><font >&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009<br /></font><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/" title="http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for-genetically-modified-vegetables/">http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for<br />-genetically-modified-vegetables/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece" title="http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece">http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009<br /></font><a href="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/" title="http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nation-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/">http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat<br />ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/</a><font > </font></p><p align="justify"><font >PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm" title="http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm">http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064" title="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindly-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064">http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl<br />y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064</a><font >#<br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, <br /></font><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms" title="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate<br />-goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318" title="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=373318">http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton<br />o=373318</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009,<br /></font><a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/" title="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-view-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/">http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie<br />w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/</a><font > <br />&nbsp;<br />Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, <br /></font><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx" title="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-signal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si<br />gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx</a><font >#</font></p>'
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Bt brinjal crosses another hurdle

The Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body comprising of scientists which works with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has finally waved the green flag for commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal in India on 14 October, 2009. The present recommendation of the GEAC has met with opposition from Greenpeace (http://www.greenpeace.org/) and a host of other civil society organizations. However, commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year or so since it has to first get mandatory approvals from the ministries of health, environment and agriculture.  Though cultivation of Bt brinjal was cleared by a government panel earlier, under pressure from the non government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on health security and environmental concerns, a review committee was constituted in 2007. The GEAC approval of Bt brinjal for commercial exploitation has been opposed by dozens of CSOs and peoples’ movements all across the country. (The links below carry facts, figures and opinions for and against the genetically modified crops). The All India Kisan Sabha of CPI (M) has expressed its concerns over vested interest groups such as the Mahyco-Monsanto and the USAID working for its release in the Indian environment. Patenting of seed technologies is deemed to create monopolies, serving profit motives of the Multi National Corporations (MNCs) due to which the Indian farmers are likely to face higher prices beyond their purchasing capacity. The International NGO Greenpeace has alleged that people in the GEAC had vested interest in the release of Bt brinjal for commercial purposes as they enjoyed close ties with Mahyco- Monsanto. It has questioned whether release of GM crops can solve India’s problem of food security and malnutrition. There are others who have supported the GEAC’s approval for Bt brinjal because it is designed to be insect-resistant. Fruit borers destroy roughly 50 per cent of the brinjal crop, which is grown across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, approximately an area of 5 lakh hectares. The present Bt brinjal, which has been genetically developed by a group of scientists from the company Mahyco and universities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is designed to secrete a protein that kills insects called fruit borers that routinely attack brinjals.       The Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas while endorsing the GEAC’s decision has said that genetic engineering holds the key to increasing food production and ensuring food security in the country. However, following a campaign by Greenpeace, the Environment Ministry has declared that it is not going to allow the new brinjal crop into the Indian market without a nationwide consultation. Some feel that labeling of GM food should be made mandatory provided farmers do not pay much time and money for the approvals. Further readings Brinjal and beyond, 21 October, 2009, http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155640800.htm Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal may take a year by Jacob P Koshy and Padmaparna Ghosh, Livemint, 16 October, 2009 http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/16005430/Commercial-cultiv ation-of-Bt-b.html GEAC nod to commercial release of Bt brinjal, 14 October, 2009, http://ibnlive.in.com/news/geac-nod-to-commercial-release- of-bt-brinjal/103254-11.html Cleared, super-brinjal in frying pan, The Telegraph, 14 October, 2009, http://telegraphindia.com/1091015/jsp/frontpage/story_1161 7850.jsp   Controversial Bt brinjal cleared for entry as first GM food, Infochange India, http://infochangeindia.org/200910167987/Environment/News/C ontroversial-Bt-brinjal-cleared-for-entry-as-first-GM-food .html   Decision on Bt brinjal after consulting scientists, farmers: Ramesh, DNA India, 15 October, 2009, http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_decision-on-bt-brinja l-after-consulting-scientists-farmers-ramesh_1299448   BT brinjal safe for consumption by Kalyan Ray, Deccan Herald, 14 October, 2009, http://www.deccanherald.com/content/30673/bt-brinjal-safe- consumption.html   Say ‘no’ to Bt Brinjal: civil society groups by Gargi Parsai, The Hindu, 14 October, 2009, http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/14/stories/2009101461490700.htm    Are we ready for genetically modified vegetables? by Raashi Bhatia, Reuters blog, October 14 2009 http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/10/14/are-we-ready-for -genetically-modified-vegetables/   Bt brinjal gets regulator's nod, farmers protest, The Hindu, 14 October 2009 http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article33982.ece   GEAC fails the nation, takes the side of Seed Companies on Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace India, 14 October 2009 http://greenpeace.in/safefood/news-blog/geac-fails-the-nat ion-takes-the-side-of-seed-companies-on-bt-brinjal/ PMK fires salvo against Bt Brinjal, 18 October, 2009, http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/62153.htm   We will not blindly oppose Bt brinjal: KV Thomas, Financial Chronicle, 15 October, 2009, http://www.deccanchronicle.com/national/we-will-not-blindl y-oppose-bt-brinjal-kv-thomas-064#   Bt brinjal debate goes to people, 16 October, 2009, The Times of India, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bt-brinjal-debate -goes-to-people/articleshow/5128675.cms   Experts' panel approves Bt brinjal, final okay now with Jairam by Sreelatha Menon, The Business Standard, 15 October, 2009, http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?auton o=373318   Govt seeks public view on Bt Brinjal, The Financial Express, 16 October, 2009, http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Govt-seeks-public-vie w-on-Bt-Brinjal/529552/   Bt brinjal gets the green signal by Zia Haq and Chetan Chauhan, The Hindustan Times, 14 October, 2009, http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bt-brinjal-gets-the-green-si gnal/H1-Article1-465298.aspx#