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Telecomunicaciones y tecnología

India delays GM vegetable start for further tests


    NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has put off allowing the launch of its first genetically modified vegetable, saying it would adopt a cautious approach and wait for more scientific studies on the impact of the new variety of eggplant.

    "The moratorium will be in place until all tests are carried out to the satisfaction of everyone... If that means no start of production, so be it," Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh told reporters on Tuesday.

    An government panel last year supported the introduction of genetically modified brinjal, or eggplant, but the government said it would consult experts and farmers before accepting the recommendations.

    "It is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary, principal-based approach," Ramesh said.

    India allowed the use of genetically modified seeds for cotton in 2002, and crop productivity has increased sharply as it is now grown in 80 percent of India's cotton area.

    (Reporting by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by John Mair)