New Delhi, Oct 15 : The agriculture ministry would not "blindly oppose" the introduction of Bt brinjal, a genetically modified variety of the vegetable, after its commercialisation was approved by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), Minister of State for Agriculture K. V. Thomas said here Thursday.

The GEAC, the biotechnology regulator, Wednesday approved the commercialisation of genetically modified Bt brinjal. The decision was condemned by environmentalists, various NGOs and farmers' organisations. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has to decide on the approval now.

"Agriculture production will have to be increased once parliament passes the Food Security Act. So the government will have to rely on modern scientific methods to increase food production. We will not blindly oppose the introduction of Bt brinjal," Thomas told IANS.

The minister said the agriculture ministry would examine the outcome of the scientific study on Bt Brinjal and later express its view.

"It will be going through an effective study and research. We will examine it and later come out with our view on it," Thomas said.

Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said Wednesday that the GEAC's recommendations and the review committee report had been submitted and these would be studied in depth before a decision was taken.(IANS)