Panel OKs commercial launch of GM food - paper

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A panel of officials has cleared commercial cultivation of genetically modified brinjal, or eggplant, the Indian Express newspaper reported on Thursday.

The popular vegetable will be the first genetically altered food crop to be commercially launched in India, which has so far permitted commercial cultivation of only one genetically engineered crop -- bacillus thuringiensis or Bt cotton.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told the paper the clearance by the committee of experts would need his approval.

India allowed commercial cultivation of Bt cotton in 2002, sparking protests from activists who say genetically altered crops are a health hazard, spoil soil texture and harm the environment.

(Reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj)