India delays Bt Brinjal start for further tests

India has put off allowing the launch of its first genetically modified (GM) vegetable, saying it would adopt a cautious approach and wait for more scientific studies on the impact of the new variety of eggplant.

"The moratorium will be in place until all tests are carried out to the satisfaction of everyone ... If that means no start of production, so be it," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters on Tuesday.

Until the tests are done, the country should build a broad consensus to use GM technology in agriculture in a safe and sustainable manner, he said.

A government panel last year supported introduction of genetically modified brinjal, or eggplant, but the government said it would consult experts and farmers before accepting the recommendations.

"It is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary, principle-based approach," Ramesh said.

Advocates of genetically modified crops argue such varieties can easily increase food supply for India's 1.2 billion people and protect farmers as GM crops can withstand adverse weather and increase output significantly.

But opponents say GM seeds such as the "Bt Brinjal" can be a hazard for the environment and public health, and must be tested thoroughly before they are commercially used.

Ramesh said several European countries had banned such food while China, which was encouraging research in the technology, was "extremely cautious" in using it for food crops.

"True, Bt-corn and Bt-soya is widely available in the USA but that is no great compulsion for us to follow suit," Ramesh said.

India allowed the use of genetically modified seeds for cotton in 2002, and crop productivity has increased sharply as it is now grown in 80 percent of India's cotton area.