<p>Coalition for a GM (genetically modified) Free Karnataka, an organisation fighting against GM crops, on Wednesday sent a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting him to hoist a National Flag made of non-BT cotton.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Pointing out the sentiment citizens have with the National Flag, the letter read: “...On behalf of the citizens of India, GM Free India Karnataka urges you to hoist an Indian flag made of non-BT, desi cotton this year. We sincerely hope that you, as the prime representative of the people of Karnataka, will pay heed to this request of people of this State.”<br /><br />The State is home to only the two official National Flag making units of Khadi Gram Udyog in India, the letter stated, adding: “We hope you will source a desi flag that truly reflects our sovereignty this time.” <br /><br />Rajesh Krishnan, member, Coalition for GM Free India, said: “Cotton as a symbol of our struggle for Independence was given to us by Mahatma Gandhi. Over the last decade, we have lost this to a foreign company, Monsanto. It is indeed unfortunate that Monsanto now controls around 95 per cent of our cotton seed market through its proprietary GM-BT cotton and aims to control the seed market of other crops too in the same way.”<br /><br />The organisation further argued that the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill, 2012, introduced by the Centre, will act as a single window easy approval system for GM crops.<br /><br />“BRAI as you know also takes away the decision making power of state governments on open releases of GM crops,” the letter said.<br /><br />It also said that the previous State government had raised concerns on various aspects of the Bill and demanded a comprehensive consultation before its introduction, which unfortunately hasn't happened. <br /><br />“With this letter the people of this country remind you of the power and wisdom of these golden principles. With the hoisting of the non-GM flag, you have the opportunity to restore the glory of this powerful Gandhian symbol,” the letter said.<br /><br />Further, the letter said that given the growing evidence of the impact of GM crops to the human health, environment and farm livelihoods, the State takes a serious stand on the matter.</p>
<p>Coalition for a GM (genetically modified) Free Karnataka, an organisation fighting against GM crops, on Wednesday sent a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting him to hoist a National Flag made of non-BT cotton.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Pointing out the sentiment citizens have with the National Flag, the letter read: “...On behalf of the citizens of India, GM Free India Karnataka urges you to hoist an Indian flag made of non-BT, desi cotton this year. We sincerely hope that you, as the prime representative of the people of Karnataka, will pay heed to this request of people of this State.”<br /><br />The State is home to only the two official National Flag making units of Khadi Gram Udyog in India, the letter stated, adding: “We hope you will source a desi flag that truly reflects our sovereignty this time.” <br /><br />Rajesh Krishnan, member, Coalition for GM Free India, said: “Cotton as a symbol of our struggle for Independence was given to us by Mahatma Gandhi. Over the last decade, we have lost this to a foreign company, Monsanto. It is indeed unfortunate that Monsanto now controls around 95 per cent of our cotton seed market through its proprietary GM-BT cotton and aims to control the seed market of other crops too in the same way.”<br /><br />The organisation further argued that the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill, 2012, introduced by the Centre, will act as a single window easy approval system for GM crops.<br /><br />“BRAI as you know also takes away the decision making power of state governments on open releases of GM crops,” the letter said.<br /><br />It also said that the previous State government had raised concerns on various aspects of the Bill and demanded a comprehensive consultation before its introduction, which unfortunately hasn't happened. <br /><br />“With this letter the people of this country remind you of the power and wisdom of these golden principles. With the hoisting of the non-GM flag, you have the opportunity to restore the glory of this powerful Gandhian symbol,” the letter said.<br /><br />Further, the letter said that given the growing evidence of the impact of GM crops to the human health, environment and farm livelihoods, the State takes a serious stand on the matter.</p>
