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India
June 27, 2008
Source:
Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) via
Checkbiotech
As a penultimate step in regulatory procedure for
commercialization of GM crops, the Government of India through
its biotechnology regulatory body (GEAC) has approved
experimental seed production of Bt brinjal (eggplant) hybrids to
Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company
(Mahyco).
Mahyco, a leading seed company in India has been at the
forefront in successfully introducing
cutting-edge-biotech-products i.e. Bt cotton hybrids. The GEAC
has permitted experimental seed production of seven Bt brinjal
hybrids namely MHB-4 Bt, MHB-9 Bt, MHB-10 Bt, MHB-11 Bt, MHB-80
Bt and MHB-99 Bt at Mahyco's fields at Jalna, Maharashtra in the
coming Kharif season 2008. The seeds shall be produced under the
strict supervision of Director Horticulture Research or Director
Research of the State Agriculture University with a view to
facilitate the monitoring and supervision mechanism as
stipulated by the GEAC.
The new hybrid Bt brinjal variety contains cry1Ac gene (EE1
event developed indigenously by Mahyco), which makes the crop
resistant to the Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB). A major constraint
in brinjal production, the pest can cause significant yield loss
and reduce the number of marketable fruits. Farmers often resort
to intensive use of pesticides to control the FSB. The FSB
resistant varieties have been evaluated for their agronomic
performance, safety and efficacy in controlling FSB and their
effect on beneficial insects in Mahyco and Indian Institute of
Vegetable Research (IIVR). The FSBR variety is expected to give
higher yields with less pesticide use. Mahyco has already
transferred this technology to public sector institutions not
only in India but also to public sector institutions in
Bangladesh and the Philippines.
Decision taken by the GEAC regarding approval of Bt Brinjal seed
production at:
www.envfor.nic.in
Source: Genetic Engineering Approval Committee
(GEAC)
Decisions taken in the 85th Meeting of the Genetic Engineering
Approval Committee held on 28 May 2008 (PDF) |
6.2 Permission for conducting Experimental seed
production of Bt Brinjal by M/s. Mahyco.
1.0 The Committee noted that the GEAC in its meeting
held on 8.8.2007 had permitted experimental seed
production of Bt brinjal in the research farms of
IIVR/ICAR/SAU as per the protocol prescribed by
Director IIVR. Dr. Mathura Rai, Director IIVR,
Varanasi has informed vide his letter dated
13.9.2007 that the seed production of Bt brinjal may
be assigned to the applicant due to non availability
of land and skilled labour for seed production. The
present request of the applicant is for conduct of
experimental seed production at Jalna district,
Maharashtra within their institutional research farm
as per the protocol approved by IIVR. The Committee
noted that the above matter was discussed in the
GEAC meeting held on 2.4.2008 wherein it was opined
that seed production being the propriety of the
applicant, experimental seed production at Jalna may
be permitted.
2.0 After detailed deliberations, the GEAC approved
experimental seed production of Bt brinjal at
Jalna under the supervision of Director Horticulture
Research or Director Research of the State
Agriculture University located in proximity to seed
production area with a view to facilitate the
monitoring and supervision mechanism. |
Bt Brinjal safety dossier is also
available on GEAC website at:
www.envfor.nic.in |
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