New Delhi: After imposing a ban on smoking in public, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss is working towards banning genetically modified (GM) seeds.
He says his ministry will oppose the entry of GM seeds into the country. The move comes after months of protests by activists, farmers and consumers across India.
“As the Union Health Minister, I will continue opposing it. BT Brinjal is being brought into the country without proper research on its safety. We should oppose it collectively,” Ramadoss says.
The minister's remarks come at a time when BT Brinjal — the first GM vegetable — is on the verge of getting approval for commercial release.
Union Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, however, is well known for his advocacy of GM food.
“Of course the Government is pro-GM otherwise the GM technology would not be there. We already have GM cotton and there are many other products that are in the pipeline and will be in the market,” Sibal says.
Inadequate research and lack of independent monitoring of the impact of GM food, more specifically BT Brinjal, will certainly give fodder for confrontation.
There have been reports of several deaths across the world following allergic reaction to GM food.
“Latest Austrian study released three weeks ago shows that the mice become infertile after being introduced to GM foods,” Kavitha Kuruganti, a Green Peace activist, says.
What is worrying activists and farmers is the hurry with which the Government seems to be embracing GM technology, when around 180 countries in the world do not allow it.
Courtesy: CNN-IBN
12 December, 2008
10 December, 2008
Anbumani to oppose entry of genetically modified food
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
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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