Representation to the Honourable Minister Shri. Jayaram Rameshji,

Honourable Minister Shri. Jayaram Rameshji,

We would like to invite your kind attention to the proposal for the commercial cultivation of Bt.Brinjal.

From the informations we get, it is seen that the proposal is immature. Because, sufficient preparations are not made yet. We donot know, yet, what shall be in store for us. The economic benefits stated to be available with Bt.Brinjal is disputed by many, including those belonging to scientific community. Sufficient scientific experimentation has not been conducted to prove that Bt.Brinjal is not harm full for human consumption. Precautionary laws, like labelling of the product etc, are yet to be put in place in India.

We are not against use of bio-technology or any other scientific methods for food prouction, which are proved beneficial and harmless. Nor are we against genetically Modified food. Genetic modification is not something confined to the use of Bacillus Thuringiensis, which is connected with TB, a curable but dreaded decease. Apprehension is raised that contamination caused by Bt.Brinjal may cause spread of TB.

Moreover, from what we learn from the press and the media, Bt.Brinjal is a replication of what has been done with Bt.Cotton, by corporate seed traders, the cultivation of which is reported to have been not beneficial to the farmers.

There shall not be a hasty decision on such crucial issues of far reaching consequences.

What is required is scientific study entrusted to our national scientific and agricultural organisations, universities and such other socially responsible organisation and proceed on the basis of their report of scientific study and detailed assessment of various effects on economy, food production, life of the farmers, ecology, culture etc taking the people into confidence to have a democratic consensus along with scientific proof.

Under the circumstances, your good offices is requested to be kind enough not to permit the commercial cultivation of Bt.Brinjal at this stage.

Hope this will find you in good spirit.

Thanking you sir,

Yours Sincerely