|
| Experts urge for GM-free Karnataka |
| BS Reporter / Chennai/ Mysore Nov 12, 2009, 00:41 IST |
|
“We do not want GM (genetically modified) crops which can prove apocalyptic for mankind. Let us say never to Bt-brinjal”. The declaration, along with the demand that state government declare Karnataka GM-free, was made at a state-level conference on genetic engineering, farming and food in Mysore on Saturday.
The conference, jointly held by the Institution of Engineers, Mysore Local Centre, Mysore Grahaka Parishat and Deccan Development Society, Hyderabad, wherein experts placed views for and against genetic engineering (GE). They also demanded that the GEAC recommendations be ignored and sustainable agriculture encouraged. Even if Bt-brinjal or cotton is commercially viable, its use should be governed by the commercial acceptability of the technology by the farmer. At this juncture, therefore, introduction of Bt-brinjal is neither desirable nor necessary for the farmer.
However, it supported further independent research on GE and whether it is needed to meet the food needs of the increasing population of the world, until it comes out with a fool proof technologyôproducts acceptable to the farmer.
Till then the seminar called upon the government and its approval agencies to adopt stringent measures in evaluating/assessing the claims and the safety of the GE products to the consumer and the environment. In his keynote address, Michel Pimbert, director of the Sustainable Agriculture Biodiversity and Livelihoods Programme, International Institute for Environment and Development, UK, said genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are increasingly being rejected across the world and evidence for this comes from countries as diverse as Switzerland and the UK as well as Zambia. For India, it was a critical juncture as genetically engineered Bt-brinjal is to be introduced into the market following the field trials.
He countered the claims of the corporate power, chiefly 10 global firms, that GE is the solution to the food crisis and climate change. MGP president S G Vombatkere said everyone should start thinking of GE and its impact.
Countering the arguments, T M Manjunath, consultant, Agri-Biotechnology and Integrated Pest Management, claimed that the global area under GE crops since 1996 had risen in 2008 to 124 million hectares in 25 countries, comprising of 15 developing and 10 industrial countries.
In India, the Bt-cotton area was about 29,000 ha in 2002. and had expanded in 2008 to 7.6 m ha in nine cotton growing states, representing about 82 per cent of the total cotton area, average yield increasing from 308 kg/ha in 2001-02 to 560 kg/ha in 2007-08, turning India from an importer to a net exporter.
“So far biotech crops have not caused any scientifically-proven ill effects on humans, animals and environment. GE is a remarkable manmade technology with 14 years of research and field trials behind it. It has opened floodgates of opportunities,” he claimed.
Lead petitioner in PIL against GM foods in Supreme Court Aruna Rodrigues demanded that the release of Bt-brinjal be stopped. Describing the promises of biotechnology in agriculture as hollow, DDS director P V Satheesh remarked, “We feel the thick blanket of half truths wrap the secrets of the success stories of GE.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Read Business news in |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertisements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Content Guide
