Bt. Brinjal: To eat or not…
Our country has quite hurriedly released some varieties of genetically modified Bt. Brinjal even before our neighboring country India where the case of Bt. Brinjal is still pending for Supreme Court’s verdict the hearing of which is expected to be started in April next. The government has however directed to make controlled cultivation of Bt. Brinjal.
Meanwhile many of the readers and friends have enquired from me if Bt. Brinjals have adverse effects on health and environment. Well, as per available scientific research reports, genetically modified crops have some adverse effects on human and animal health and environment. The question is how far the restrictions on controlled cultivation of Bt. Brinjal could be maintained? In fact, genetic modification of plants creates new mutations and destroys the natural gene pool resulting in harmful flora and fauna.
There are the problems of pest and diseases still production of local varieties of Brinjal in our country is satisfactory. So, commercial cultivation should only be allowed after due revision of the existing and future scientific findings on the effects of transgenic crops including the Bt. Brinjal.
One thing, since members of the public are skeptical about consuming Bt. Brinjal, proper labeling on Bt. Brinjal packs/trays should be made to facilitate consumers to decide their choice!
Professor M Zahidul Haque
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,
Dhaka.
