Scientists oppose Bt brinjal cultivation in Bengal

Kolkata, Jan 11 : A section of scientists, academicians and civil society organisations Monday protested against the cultivation of genetically modified crops in West Bengal citing food security concerns and their subsequent impact on human health.

"We cannot accept Bt Brinjal in the West Bengal markets for health reasons. It's not completely proven that these types of genetically modified crops are safe for human consumption," Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRSC) executive director Ardhendu Shekhar Chatterjee told a press conference here.

He also demanded transparency in the testing procedure before giving Bt brinjal the green signal to enter the vegetable market in the state.

"We want a multi-layer committee comprising social activists, scientists, policy-makers and academicians to look into various aspects of this genetically modified crop cultivation issue.

"We want the state government to scrap the introduction of this Bt brinjal considering the projected hazards it can cause to human health and the environment," Chatterjee said, adding that the government should arrive at a consensus on the basis of public opinion.

"The entire process has to be undertaken in a democratic manner. The government cannot impose this on the people," he said.