New Delhi, Facing intense opposition from within and outside, government today refused to give a go-ahead to commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal, a genetically-modified version of the vegetable that is said to be more resistant to pests.

Announcing a cautious approach of the government, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said there was"no clear consensus" among the scientists and stake-holders on giving permission to Bt Brinjal and more studies needed to be conducted.

"There is no over-riding urgency to introduce it... When the public sentiments have been negative, it is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary and principle-based approach," he told a hurriedly-called press conference which was originally scheduled for tomorrow.

"I will not impose a decision till such time independent scientific studies establish safety of the product from long-term view of human health," Ramesh said.