The Government today put a moratorium on the introduction of BT Brinjal in the country. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi this afternoon, the Union Environment and Forest Minister, Mr Jairam Ramesh said that there was no clear consensus among the scientists and stake-holders on giving permission to Bt Brinjal and more studies needed to be conducted. The minister said that he will not impose a decision till such time independent scientific studies establish safety of the product from long-term view of human health.<br/><br/>Mr Ramesh said that the moratorium period will be used to have a detailed discussion in Parliament and also a comprehensive debate in the National Development Council on this issue. The decision came after the minister conducted a series of public consultations in seven cities across the country where a number of state governments, including Congress-ruled Andhra Pradesh, have publicly opposed the introduction of Bt Brinjal.