M Karunanidhi opposes approval of field trials of GM crops

Objecting to the Centre's approval for field trials of 15 genetically modified crops, Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M Karunanidhi on Saturday sought Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's intervention in this matter and cancel the permission.

"Even during the UPA government, they had revoked their approval given to cultivate Bt brinjal, following strong protests against it. So, the BJP government should immediately intervene in this issue and revoke their approval given for field trials of GM crops," Karunanidhi said in a statement.

The DMK patriarch recalled the scientists' advice against the GM crops that their consumption would result in various diseases.

The Centre has reportedly approved field trials for 15 genetically modified (GM) crops, including rice, mustard and bengal gram last week. (Read more)

"I wonder whether all the anti-people acts of the BJP government happens with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's knowledge," Karunanidhi said.

Also Read: #GMCrops: Prakash Javadekar clarifies that Environment Ministry did not give approval for field trials of GM crops

RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh opposes Narendra Modi government's nod to field trials for more GM crops​