Oolkopir/Ganthkopir Torkari-Kohlrabi Stir/Fry Subzi

Recently genetic engineering is in news but for wrong reasons.
There are many good discoveries in genetic engineering to further help us grow as a civilazaion.But when it comes to Bt Brinjal,certainly it wont help.

So what is Bt Brinjal?
The brinjal seed is genetically modified strain created jointly by Indian company Mahyco and and US MNC Monsanto.Bacillus thuringiensis brinjal is Bt Brinjal.It increases the shell life and is pest free that means the use of pesticides is reduced dramatically when this variety is cultivated by farmers resulting in reduction of cost of cultivation.Making of Bt Brinjal involves the insertion of a gene from the soil Bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis to the genetic code of vegetable(Brinjal) to produce the pesticidal toxin in every cell.Now these toxins when entered into human body can/may cause severe ailments like lung or kidney problems ,allergies,itching and many more which are still unknown.Bt brinjal is also known to be resistant to some antibiotics.

As for statistics in India ,Brinjal/Aubergine/Eggplant , is grown/cultivated in 5,10,000 hectares yeilding approx 8.2 million tonnes.
This is not the first time India has seen genetically modified crops.In 2001 Bt Cotton was introduced in certain parts of Gujrat and adjoining states, though the production was high for the first year but later it started slowly decreasing.Bt Cotton affected severly the health of cattles who were in direct contact with it.In three states it severly affected farmers financially resulting in many suicides.This variety was ineffective on Bollworm attack for which it was genetically modified.Bt Cotton was sold as pest-resistant variety in India but it failed majorly.

As a consumer if Bt Brinjal gets introduced in our food chain, then this is going to effect our health directly now.Remember we don’t have any norms or regulations to differentiate between an organic variety and the normal ones.So, as a consumer we still will be confused and can't trust the source from where it comes keeping in mind the whole process of plantation, storage and selling etc.

States like West Bengal,Bihar,Kerala,Chatissgarh and Orissa have banned the use of Bt Brinjal plantation which are the major producer of brinjal in India.But the question is will it solve the problem.Once introduced in farming in other states, there will be no regulation /boundaries on cross pollination if my common sense foresee,making it even more prone to severe health problems which includes effecting human immune system.Although as per norms Bt Brinjal can only be cultivated at a distance of 300 meter away from other crops.As a poor farmer in a remote village,can he keep these norms in mind while cultivating Bt Brinjal, I am sure it will be quite difficult for him.
And as a consumer can we have a choice to pick normal varieties over the genetically modified varieties?

I am sure our environment minister and goverment keep these questions in mind while deciding the fate of Bt Brinjal.Ten more days to go for a decision to be taken on this issues.Hope as a consumer we don’t end up as Guinea Pig this time again.

If you want to read further ,you must read these.
TOI Article
TOI Article
Ground Reality
Ginger and Mango

Now to the recipe for this post.I know Oolkopi/Kohlrabi/German Turnip is also known as Ghantkopi.This is a simple stir/fry subzi or Torkari in Bengali.This is quite a staple in winters when Oolkopi is in available in plenty.Pair it with some steamed rice or roti ,it brings out the pleasure of eating simple and easy.

Oolkopi/Ganthkopi diye Torkari-Kohlrabi Dry Subzi
Serves 2-3
Oolkopi/Ganthkopi- 1 whole , peeled and sliced into longitudianl pieces
1 potato –cut into long pieces
Seasoning
1 tsp of turmeric powder
2 tsp of red pepper powder
1 tsp of cumin seeds
Salt as per taste
Oil for frying the vegetables-2 tbs

1 small tomato chopped
Fresh chopped coriander for garnishing

Method
Cut and prepare the vegetables .Clean them in water.
Heat up a saucepan, add oil .
Add in cumin seeds, let it splutter
Add the Oolkopi/ganthkopi and potatoes , stir/fry them well.Add chopped tomatoes also.
Add all the seasoning, sprinkle some water,add salt, lower the flame and cook approx 7-8 mints or vegetables are cooked.Serve with warm cooked rice or roti which ever way you like.

Happy Cooking