What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?

1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil funguns into its genome.
2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt-brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt-brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

Bt Brinjal

• Bt Brinjal is created by inserting the Cry 1Ac gene from the soil bacterium bacillus thuringiensis into Brinjal. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• Seeds from Bt brinjal open-pollinated varieties will be free for farmers to save and replant as they wish. They have not terminated seeds. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Concerns about Bt Brinjal

• When Bt brinjal toxin is ingested by humans it is resistant to antibiotics which can turn medicines ineffective and may result in new toxins. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Bt Brinjal could also be a major threat to the vast number of domestic and wild varieties of these crops like brinjal, mustard etc. Hence statement 4 is correct.