Some of the State Governments, NGOs and some sections of the scientific and farming communities have expressed apprehensions on the safety of Bt brinjal and have called for extreme caution as Bt brinjal is the first genetically modified food crop to be introduced in the country.

The Prime Minister in a meeting held on 24.02.2010, agreed that biotechnology was an important option for higher agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. At the same time, it must be ensured that biotechnology had no adverse effects on human and animal health, and bio-diversity. He further opined that the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee will address the concerns for resolving all scientific issues relating to Bt brinjal.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri. Ramdas Agarwal in Rajya Sabha today.