This is SKT Nasar from Kolkata, India joining in late on second thoughts. As a first reaction, I found the mandates in the conference Background Document, reiterated by the Moderator on 8 November 2012, somewhat restrictive. My resolve to skip this conference melted when I found messages relating to Bt brinjal in the Indian context virtually clogging the conference. 

My humble submission to those discussing GM crops in general and Bt brinjal in particular is to kindly study, not just read, the report by the Committee on Agriculture (2011-2012) entitled "Cultivation of genetically modified food crops - Prospects and effects" presented to the two houses of Parliaments (India's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) on 09 August 2012. This report is available at http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Agriculture/GM_Report.pdf (5.7 MB). One may or may not agree with its contents, but would find answers to many questions on Bt brinjal and GM food.  

In addition, alleged violation of Indian Biodiversity Act concerning Bt brinjal is under consideration of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). 

S.K.T. Nasar
Former Director of Research,
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Kalyani
West Bengal, 
India
E-mail: skt.nasar (at) gmail.com

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