Bt brinjal: National Biodiversity Board to lodge complaint against Mahyco soon

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is seriously considering lodging a complaint against the developers of genetically modified brinjal. In response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by a Bengaluru-based non-profit, NBA disclosed that it is in an “advanced stage of lodging complaint against the alleged violators”. This means that Mahyco, a partner of biotech giant Monsanto, and their collaborators, including public research institutions, could get charged with bio-piracy for accessing indigenous brinjal varieties to develop Bt brinjal.

Karnataka Biodiversity Board washes hands of Bt brinjal biopiracy case

The Karnataka Biodiversity Board (KBB) has washed its hands of the Bt brinjal biopiracy controversy, saying the matter comes under the purview of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). Bt brinjal made headlines when it was found that Mahyco, partner of US biotech giant Monsanto,  had developed Bt brinjal using 12 indigenous varieties of the vegetable, accessed from various states, including Karnataka. These indigenous brinjal varieties were used without approval, which is a violation of the Biodiversity Act of 2002.

Environment minister cornered over bio-piracy of brinjal

      "National Biodiversity Authority has received a complaint from Environment Support Group on alleged violation by Monsanto and their collaborators for accessing and using the local brinjal varieties for development of Bt brinjal."       —— Jayanthi Natarajan Union Minister of Environment and Forests       Members of Parliament cornered Union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan in the Rajya Sabha this week over bio-piracy issue of Bt brinjal asking her what action was being taken against the alleged violators.

Bt Brinjal: NBA may prosecute Mahyco, collaborators

The National Biodiversity Authority of India (NBA) says it may initiate legal action against Mahyco, a partner of biotech giant Monsanto, and their collaborators for accessing and using local brinjal (eggplant) varieties to develop the genetically modified (GM) or Bt Brinjal without the prior approval of the  authorities.