Karnataka has a rich variety of corn crops. Is there need for genetically modified varieties too?These issues were discussed at a press conference called by the Coalition for a GM-free Karnataka.
Karnataka has a rich variety of corn crops. Is there need for genetically modified varieties too? And are field trials of GM crops being carried out in open fields, exposing other fields too to ‘contamination’?
These issues were discussed at a press conference called by the Coalition for a GM-free Karnataka.Krishna Prasad, convenor of this group, said, “Karnataka was the first state to have an organic farming policy, introduced in 2004.”
The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and other civil society organisations were present at the conference, which was called after a channel aired news that a field belonging to Amritgouda in Banihatti PA, a village in Sindagi taluk, Bijapur, has been the site of tests of GM crops.
The NGO, Greenpeace, alleged that Monsanto, the US-based multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, had violated biosafety rules by conducting trials of GM crop in open fields. Krishna Prasad said, “Genetically modified corn cobs have been lying in the field. The crop was harvested a month ago. Seeds could have leaked from the plot in which cultivation occurred, and dispersed elsewhere. In the next season, we might see crops springing from these GM seeds.”
The speakers at the press conference explained that the rule to destroy all crop residues after the GM crop has been harvested has been violated in this case.
Existing guidelines for field experiments on genetically modified crops stipulate that these should be grown in confined conditions, and all crops, including any other refuse, should be destroyed after harvest.
Monsanto response
Monsanto India, in a press-note, said, “Our seed production plots for biotech maize were planted in strict conformity with rules set by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee.”
Kuruganti said, “The GEAC does not have institutional capacity to oversee these field trials and ensure bio-safety. They sit in New Delhi and clear dozens of applications. Field trials today pose a grave threat and we have highlighted the failures of the regulators. Regulators are allowing the industry and conflicting interests to prevail. Liability has to be fixed on Monsanto for the grave violations found here.”
Farmers in the state are puzzled that despite the rich and varied maize crops that the state cultivates, there are also attempts at trying out genetically modified crops. “States like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have said they do not want any GM trials,” said Prasad.
Meanwhile, Greenpeace has decided to send video documentation of field trials of GM crops to Union minister for environment and forests, Jairam Ramesh and state CM BS Yeddyurappa.
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