Orissa scientists want more studies on BT Brinjal

BHUBANESWAR - Scientists in Orissa Saturday overwhelmingly demanded extensive studies before BT Brinjal is introduced in the state.

Participating in a consultation organised by the union environment ministry in Bhubaneswar, the scientific community said it wanted a thorough study.

“We need in-depth study before the introduction of BT Brinjal. The study which has been conducted so far is limited,” said Madan Mohan Panda, the director of research at Orissa University of Agriculture and Research.

“Let there be an extensive study, numerous field trials on it, then we can consider introducing it in the state,” he added.

Some scientists also said the central government seemed “in haste” to adopt that technology without examining the repercussions entirely.

“I dont understand why the central government is in unsafe haste to introduce the technology. I myself have gone into the report which has been circulated by the central government and the study is very limited. So it is not apt to introduce BT Brinjal at this moment,” Dr Baburam Singh, who teaches in the same university, said,

Some scientists were of opinion that the introduction of BT Brinjal will destroy “genetic diversity”.

“There are already more than two hundred traditional varieties of seeds available in the state. The introduction of BT Brinjal is like inviting destruction of genetic diversity,” said Bishnu Charan Singh, a professor of entomology.

Some young scientists, however, were seen favouring introduction of BT Brinjal, saying that it will help not only increasing the production at low input cost but also help minimizing the effect of pesticides.

“There is no harm in adopting the technology in the state. The fears have no basis at all,” said Bishakha Raina, a young scientist from Kashmir doing research on BT crops in Orissa.