Santosh Min B was at the public hearing on Bt brinjal, and he caused ruffled feathers after he called Union environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh an agent of Monsanto, the US-based biotechnology firm. Ramesh, in turn, called Min, a physiotherapist trained in Ayurveda and yoga, a man in need of psychiatric help. Min tells DNA that he will take the minister to court for defamation. Min has been an active participant in projects for conservation of biodiversity.
You accused Jairam Ramesh of colluding with Monsanto. What did you mean by that?
It was a public hearing. I was representing the scientific community. Before the discussion started, the minister announced that the subject to be discussed was Bt brinjal and not genetic engineering. I vociferously objected.
A speaker pointed out that a gazette notification has kept 190 plant species, including brinjal, out of the purview of the Biodiversity Act. The minister was taken aback. He was not aware of the notification. He created a drama, accusing some scholars. He retorted that all NGOs were arrogant and undemocratic. I then raised my second objection.
Later, when my turn came, I introduced myself. The minister asked if I was the person who had interrupted him twice before. I said that Monsanto was the biggest killer in this world. Instantly, the minister said he would not allow me to speak; that I needed to go to Nimhans (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences).
Do you have any proof to substantiate your allegation?
I never stated that the minister was an agent of Monsanto. But he was holding their brief when he began these public consultations. After all, Bt brinjal is a product of Monsanto.
Tell us about your concerns on commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal.
All genetically engineered products are bad for health. By forcibly conducting transgenic tests, genetic technologists are trying to tamper with nature. If people consume these transgenic crops, mutations will occur naturally in their system. The release of transgenic organisms is similar to the thalidomide tragedy in the 60s. By modifying just one plant in the solanum family, the whole genetic strain of solanum species will be lost forever.
What do you think would be the right course of action?
Monsanto created Agent Orange in the 1960s, to be used in Vietnam. The concoction of herbicides/pesticides destroyed jungles. Many people died. There have been at least 40,000 farmer suicides in India.Has anybody done a survey to find out how many of them died due to pesticides? I am sure many of those pesticide containers bear Monsanto’s name.
I am taking Jairam Ramesh to court for defamation.
Comments