Bt Brinjal should not be accepted: Sri Ravishankar

Bhubaneshwar, Feb 1: Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar has also joined campaign against the genetically modified Bt Brinjal.

"Bt Brinjal should not be accepted in the Indian market at this stage. Thorough verification and study are required before its commercial introduction," he said on Sunday, Jan 31, while talking to reporters here.

Speaking on the same lines as the activists and other authorities who have raised opposition against the commercial introduction of the vegetable, the spiritual leader called for further studies on Bt Brinjal's effects on people's health as well as the environment.

Further, he said that there needs to be safeguards put in place before introducing the Bt Brinjal for commercial use.

Various groups across the country have registered their opposition against the genetically modified crop.

Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh faced the people's objection at a public consultation meeting at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) in Hyderabad on Sunday, Jan 31.

Protests and slogan shouting marred the meeting as people accused the minister of failing to protect the interests of farmers.

The Centre is expected to take a final decision on the issue after Feb 10.

OneIndia News