The Times of India, 1 February 2015
- Photo source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/approvals-for-gm-crop-fieldtrials-run-into-delays/article2423900.ece
Wardha: Noted environment activist Vandana Shiva protested the decision of the state government to allow field test of five GM crops in Maharashtra, and warned government of further agitation, on Saturday.
At a press conference at Magan Sangrahalay, Shiva declared her protest against the government decision saying she with other social organizations would continue agitating against the government for this move.
Maharashtra government has given a ‘no objection certificate’ for the field trial of five genetically modified (GM) crops brinjal, maize, rice, chickpea and cotton in the state. Agriculture experts, activists and farmers across the state have given mixed reactions on the controversial decision.
In a meeting on Thursday, the committee headed by Anil Kakodkar gave clearance for a field test of these five GM crops.
Shiva claimed the decision was taken under the pressure of seed companies. “We have proved that BT and GM crops are harmful for health, whereas we know the bad effects of BT cotton, and MP and Rajasthan governments have banned such crops. Still the state government has allowed field test of five crops. It is the result of companies’ lobbying,” she said.
The decision was against farmers’ welfare she said adding, “We are not getting why the government allowed it on field test before lab or green house test, as it should be tested at lab level then green house level and later allowed to field.”
Shiva claimed that this decision violated the Supreme Court order, which had postponed all GM tests, but by declaring this decision from a non-government platform ISAAA , the government was misleading the farmers.
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More information:
Maharashtra approves field trials for four GM crops
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