Chennai: While beekeepers across the country have opposed the government’s proposal to introduce genetically modified (GM) mustard in the country, various stakeholders across the state also expressed severe apprehensions and are planning to conduct state level protest to register their opposition to commercial cultivation of GM mustard, on October 2.
Apart from various large and active farmer unions issuing statements against GM mustard approval, scores of scientists and ordinary citizens also have written to the government against permitting any release of GM mustard.
Representatives of the beekeeper’s association said that it would be unwise for the government to approve GM mustard since it would have direct adverse impact on mustard production, when bees are adversely impacted.
“It is not just the honey industry but the production of mustard crop and various other food crops in the region, which will be impacted”, they said. Various beekeeper’s association appealed to state governments to intervene and stop approval for its cultivation.
Ananthoo, coordinator of Safe Food Alliance, said mustard is an essential part of our food and public should be aware of its health implications. R. Selvam, state coordinator, Tamil Nadu Organic Farmers Federation, observed that any GM seed is against seed sovereignty and seed swaraj and by introducing GM mustards, corporates are going to decide what people want to eat.
According to him, if GM mustard or any GM food crop is approved, it will be the biggest live experiment conducted on human beings involving 135 crores of people as test animals.
Kaveri Dhanapalan, general secretary, Cauvery Delta farmers Protection Association, said it is a mockery of the system. “The certification of GM mustard is done by pro-GM scientists and there is nobody to cross check the information. This move will monopolise the market and seeds”, he added.
Meanwhile, an expert from M S Swaminathan Foundation said there is not much to worry if proper guidelines are followed. “Genetic modification is a technology which has already been used for number of sectors. Here the concern is large as we are talking about a consumable crop”, the expert added.
When asked about the health implications of GM mustard, the expert said it is not something, which can be easily answered. “Very stringent test conditions are required to make sure the crop is safe and it will not affect the health of people who consume it. To make it safe, it should not be given in the hands of private players, or commercial company”, expert concluded.
Various farmer associations across the state are planning to take the issue out to public demanding widespread long term, multigenerational study of all GM crops.
