Agricultural scientists and environmental activists in Haryana have raised a red flag over a brewing “biological crisis” following the discovery of unauthorized Bt Brinjal seeds being sold to unsuspecting farmers. This development comes years after the first illegal GM crop was destroyed in Fatehabad, suggesting that the source of these banned seeds remains active and untraceable.
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Shadow Supply Chain: Experts from the Kudrati Kheti Abhiyan revealed that seeds are being distributed via middlemen at local bus stands and roadside stalls, bypassing all official regulatory checks. These packets often lack mandatory labeling, making it impossible for authorities to trace the manufacturers.
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The “Bangladesh” Connection: Activists suspect that the seeds may be smuggled from Bangladesh, where Bt Brinjal is legally cultivated, or leaked from unauthorized local lab trials. They warn that unlike Bt Cotton (which is legal), Bt Brinjal is a food crop with unverified long-term effects on human health.
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Ecological Threat: Scientists at CCS Haryana Agricultural University warn that if these transgenic crops cross-pollinate with local varieties, it could lead to the permanent loss of Haryana’s diverse indigenous brinjal germplasm.
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Government Pressure: The Coalition for a GM-Free India has petitioned the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to launch a state-wide crackdown, conduct field “strip tests,” and penalize the companies behind the illegal distribution.
