This refers to the article “ >The humble brinjal’s Bt moment ?” (Aug. 1). Bt brinjal is but a small step towards ushering in other genetically modified crops in the country. The issue of cross pollination with Bt genes has never been addressed satisfactorily. Mexico in 2002 found genetically modified corn in its fields though it had not planted any. The modified corn was from fields elsewhere, hundreds of miles away. The fear was that heartier modified variants would edge out unique native strains.
India’s strength is its great bio-diversity and it should not be adversely impacted. Only a reasoned and sober dialogue will clarify issues.
H.N. Ramakrishna,Herndon, Virginia
The case of Bt brinjal is different from that of Bt cotton, as it directly affects human health. Extensive research should be undertaken and effects of Bt brinjal studied before making it commercially available. There are complaints of soil degradation and the decline of water level from the top layer of the soil in the vicinity of GM crops.
Ravi Meemrot,Mumbai
Government research institutes can achieve better results if they get better infrastructural facilities, equivalent to MNC labs. The research will bring more transparency. End user GM seeds will be Indian made and farmers need not have any apprehensions of MNC monopoly.
The fruit-borer menace in Brinjal is not as alarming as that of bollworm in cotton. The Bt Brinjal plan can be shelved. The Indian farmer is capable of controlling the fruit-borer with existing chemicals.
B. Gururajan,Chennai
