25 Feb : Against the backdrop of the controversy over the Bt brinjal issue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday stood by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh’s decision to seek more scientific studies but sought a time-frame for these tests.
Stepping in to resolve the row, Singh voiced his view during a 50-minute meeting with Ramesh, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Science and Technology Minister Prithviraj Chavan and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal.
The meeting was prompted by Pawar’s letter to Singh voicing concern over the moratorium on commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal, a decision taken by Ramesh.
Singh also said the government will soon be moving forward in setting up a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority, which will inspire confidence and stimulate public and private investment in biotechnology.
Singh is understood to have told his ministerial colleagues, who had expressed differing views on the moratorium on introduction of the country’s first genetically modified crop, to put a united front and not air differences in public.
“It is hoped that the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) will address the concerns for resolving all scientific issues relating to Bt brinjal,” a PMO statement said.
The Government, on 9th February, had imposed a moratorium on the commercialisation of Bt-brinjal till such time independent scientific tests establish the safety of the product on human health and environment.
Ramesh earlier in the day said he feels he is fighting a “lonely” battle in Government and that the Prime Minister is his only supporter in the Cabinet.
The Prime Minister is understood to have favoured biotechnology in agriculture but at the same time wanted to bring on board all questions and doubts related to the issue.
“At the same time, we must ensure that it has no adverse effects on human and animal health and bio-diversity,” media adviser to the Prime Minister said after the meeting.
The ministers also deliberated at length on the role biotechnology has to play in ensuring food security.
Issues like the need to expand public sector in biotechnology, create incentives for the private sector were also discussed.
Pawar is understood to have pitched for a strong signal to be sent to the scientific community on the use of biotechnology in agriculture.
In his letter to the Prime Minister, Pawar contended that the moratorium on Bt brinjal could prove to be a setback to research in the crucial area and pitched for “clarity” on the issue.
He wanted clarity on the authority responsible for granting final clearance to genetically modified crops and noted that the GEAC had approved the commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal. Chavan also had a similar opinion.