Protest against GM crops in Delhi

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Hundreds of farmers and consumers from 15 states gathered in the Capital demanding a moratorium on genetically modified (GM) crops.

The protest under the banner of the Coalition for a GM-free India comes at a time when the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) is slated to consider Mahyco’s application for experimental seed production of its Bt brinjal. Mahyco’s joint director of research, Usha Barwale Zehr said, “The last time we had a food crisis, we were bailed out by the Green Revolution.

India’s food grain output for 2007-08 is estimated at 227.32 million tonne, against China’s 490 million tonne, the third straight year of bumper harvests in that country. Clearly, we need a more rational approach to new technologies that could help our farmers increase food production.” She cited beneficial aspects of Bt brinjal.

The protestors, however, drew support in their call from a spectrum of political parties, including UPA, NDA, and UNPA. Members of parliament from AIADMK Molaiswamy, Elavarasan, Anbalasan, and Govindarajan addressed the gathering.

Among other political leaders present were the former Union science and technology minister Murli Manohar Joshi of BJP and the former agriculture minister of Andhra Pradesh, VS Rao.

Social activist, Swami Agnivesh also supported the call of the protestors.

The protestor also submitted a memorandum to the Union agriculture minister, Sharad Pawar.