We should not forget that farmers’ fields are not botanical gardens (Editorial page, “Serious concerns about Bt brinjal”, June 18). Farmers do practise artificial ways and means to grow crops. Brinjal has the one of the most diverse germplasms in the plant world, so fears about its gene erosion appear to be misplaced. As far as nutrition issues are concerned, it may be incorrect to say that GM crops will have low nutrition. The WHO itself is taking an active role in exploiting biotechnology. One should also not forget that there are proper guidelines that have been set by the Codex Alimentarius guidelines on safety assessment of GM foods. We should at least consider the success of the U.S. where 93% of soyabean and maize that is used is GM.
Arjun Sharma,
Bathinda, Punjab
Since GM crops can have unintended consequences on the environment, ecology and humans, its introduction requires detailed scrutiny. Also when we have other natural and sustainable means to augment brinjal production and protect it from pest infestation, why go GM? The key point is that there must be proper, sustained and transparent research.
Gagan Pratap Singh,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
