KANCHEEPURAM: Union Minister for Health Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday said that he would oppose any move to introduce genetically modified food or seeds in the agriculture sector.
Addressing a State-level farmer’s conference, organised by the Thamizhnadu Uzhavar Periyakkam, here, he said, “As a Central Minister I will oppose any move to introduce GM food or seeds in India.”
The Pattali Makkal Katchi had taken a policy decision to oppose introduction of genetically modified seeds.
He said efforts were being made by certain quarters to introduce Bt.Brinjal, a genetically modified variety, without conducting any test on Indian soil.
“The Ministry of Health will oppose it and will not allow introduction of such a variety without conducting proper tests.”
He said the PMK, if voted to power in Tamil Nadu, would present a separate budget for agriculture.
Delivering the special address, PMK founder S.Ramadoss said that heavy loss suffered by farmers in taking up agricultural operations forced them to dispose of their land holdings.
“A day will come when, by issuance of a G.O., your lands will be given back to you and those who had bought from you will be made to enter into a long-term lease agreement with you.”
Dr.Ramadoss warned that if the trend of “taking away” cultivable lands from farmers for setting up special economic zones were to continue, it would lead to a revolt.
If it happened, no government would have the strength to face such situation. Twenty-five resolutions, including a demand for a separate budget for agriculture, industrial status for agriculture, fair and justifiable rate for agriculture produce, setting up of special agriculture economic zones and free distribution of seeds were adopted at the conference.
PMK president and executive president, TUP, G.K.Mani, natural farming concept proponent Nammalwar and Union Minister for State (Railways) R.Velu participated in conference.
Courtesy: The Hindu, 10-12-2008
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