Beware of GM crops, ryots told

Farmers should protect indigenous variety and reject the genetically modified variety considering the welfare of the farming community, said retired Joint Director and Water and Agriculture expert K Narayanswamy.

On Thursday, while addressing the media he said that the genetically modified technology  and GM crops is a mere extension of agriculture which is  chemical fertilisers intensive.

It is saddening to note that our country’s political leaders and a few vested interests in the  scientific community are into an unholy nexus with MNCs manufacturing seeds.

Genetically Modified crops are created by transmitting genes from various animals and insects. Though GM crops look  natural, their consumption can lead to various side effects and can have a debilitating effect on the health of the people. In addition to this the soil’s fertility will also be affected. The farmers should be aware of the detrimental effects of the GM crops, he added. The MNC seed companies though pretend to strive for the welfare of our nation, is primarily profit driven. Their aim is to control the agricultural process es in our country. They are creating a favourable ground to accomplish this by designing technology that would facilitate them in this process. BT cotton and BT brinjal are a testimony to this.

The scientists have warned the ill effects of BT brinjal, he informed.

A discussion on GMcrops and the danger surrounding the cultivation of brinjals will be held on May 20, at Gauribidanur Fort Girls Govt High School premises, 10:30 am.