Social Democratic Party of India

The Social Democratic Party of India, (SDPI), feels greatly relieved that at long last saner counsel has prevailed over the issue of commercial release of genetically modified, (GM), Bt. Brinjal with the Indian Government saying a big no to it. Kudos to the Union Minister of Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh who took the "precautionary approach" because of sharp divisions among Indian scientists.

The SDPI hails this step and congratulates Ramesh to impose a moratorium on the release of Bt. Brinjal till independent scientific studies satisfy both public and professionals "the safety of the product from the point of view of long-term impact on human health and environment”.

It is good to observe that the minister has given due thought to the deep concerns expressed not only of green activists and farmers but the governments of 11 states which account for most of India's Brinjal output. These state governments had bitterly opposed the introduction of Bt. Brinjal.

The SDPI was very much opposed to Bt. Brinjal being introduced commercially. it SDPI hopes that this good step towards charting the path for sustainable agriculture and food security for our country would be honored in letter and spirit and no spurious Bt. Brinjal seeds make their way into India.