The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Bt Brinjal is a genetically modified (GM) food crop designed to resist the Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB) pest. The resistance to its commercial release in India stems from scientific, environmental, and socio-economic concerns regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Bt Brinjal was created by inserting the Cry1Ac gene obtained from a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), not from a soil fungus. This gene allows the plant to produce a protein toxic to specific pests.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The seeds of Bt Brinjal are not terminator seeds. The developers (Mahyco in collaboration with agricultural universities) developed Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) which allow farmers to save and re-sow seeds. Additionally, the deployment of "Terminator Technology" (Genetic Use Restriction Technology) is currently not permitted under India's regulatory framework.
- Statement 3 is Correct: A primary reason for the moratorium on Bt Brinjal was the apprehension regarding bio-safety. Critics and some scientists raised concerns about potential adverse health impacts, such as toxicity, allergenicity, and the lack of sufficient long-term human safety data.
- Statement 4 is Correct: There is a significant concern regarding the impact on biodiversity. India is a center of origin and diversity for brinjal. The introduction of Bt Brinjal poses a risk of gene flow (cross-pollination) to wild and traditional varieties, which could contaminate the natural gene pool and reduce biodiversity.
Key Takeaway:
Bt crops utilize genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. The opposition to Bt Brinjal in India is primarily driven by concerns over the contamination of wild gene pools (biodiversity loss) and potential long-term health risks to consumers.