Indian regulators approved on Wednesday the introduction of genetically modified aubergines, potentially making them the first transgenic vegetable to be grown on local farms, a top official told AFP. The much-awaited clearance by the state-run Genetically Engineering Appraisal Committee could lead to production of the vegetable - known as aubergines, eggplant or brinjals in India - if approved by the government.
"The Committee examined all the reports and studies and found it bio-safe and that it is fit for environmental release," said R. Warrier, a director in the national food watchdog. "We will now submit our recommendations to the government for clearance," she told AFP just after the regulator gave its thumbs up.
In modified crops or food, the genetic material, or DNA, is altered to benefit either the producer or the consumer. In this case, the aubergine would be resistant to a devastating natural pest known as the shoot borer. Some 8.7 million tonnes of aubergines are grown on 530,000 hectares (1,309,653 acres) in India, with West Bengal state leading production, according to data made available by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research.
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