India: Genetically modified aubergine about to be approved

(15 October 2009) The Indian bureau responsible for gene technology has allowed the commercial use of genetically modified Bt aubergines. The Indian government now must issue approval.

The Bt aubergine – known as brinjal in India – was developed in the framework of a cooperative project in which three Indian research institutes as well as Monsanto and the Indian seed company Mahyco participated. Similarly to Bt maize or Bt cotton, the Bt aubergine produces a protein that is effective against certain insect pests, such as the aubergine fruit borer in this case. The use of chemical plant protection agents currently employed to combat this pest is expected to be reduced radically. The approval procedure applies to four different types of aubergine.

The Bt aubergines were assessed for nine years in field tests. After an initial positive evaluation of the approval application lodged in 2004, another committee was formed that subjected the application renewed assessment. Primarily, social groups and environmental associations had expressed doubt about the safety of the Bt aubergine for human health and for the environment.

Upon the decision by the federal Indian bureau (the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, GEAC) to allow the commercial use of the Bt aubergine, the scientific component of the approval process has been concluded. The Indian government must yet decide. The Indian minister for the environment, Jairam Ramesh, stated to the press that neither businesses nor non-governmental organisations will be allowed to exert pressure thereby.

With field area of 600,000 hectares, India is second to China as the greatest producer of aubergines worldwide. To date, only Bt cotton has been cultivated in India and occupied nine million hectares in 2008. If Bt aubergines are approved, they would be the first genetically modified food product to enter the Indian market.

See also on GMO Compass:

• GMO Food Database: Aubergine

Further information:

• Biosafety data on Bt Aubergine
• Genetic Engineering Approval Committees, GEAC