India refused to grant permission Wednesday to the commercial cultivation of its first genetically modified (GM) food crop, citing problems of public trust and confidence. In a written statement, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said he was imposing a moratorium on the introduction of an aubergine modified with a gene toxic to pests that regularly devastate crops across India. Its backers said the new crop would boost yields by up to 50 percent, while reducing dependence on pesticides. But critics pointed to possible long-term health problems, and warned it would open the doors to a flood of GM food crops. 'It is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary, principle-based approach and impose a moratorium on the release,' Ramesh said. 'Under no circumstances should there be any hurry or rush. The moratorium will continue for as long as it is needed to establish public trust and confidence,' he added. 