On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the city-based green organisation Thanal, which is also part of the Coalition for a GM-Free India, has issued an alert about the tabling of the dangerous and undemocratic Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill by the Union Government in the last session of Parliament.
“This BRAI Bill is meant primarily to promote GM (Genetically Modified) crops; if passed, it will result in a single-window clearing mechanism for the widespread introduction of GM crops to Indian farming.
Such a policy is contrary to the evidence of hazards of this technology, to common sense and prudence, and to what the UN itself has advocated, namely organic and sustainable food production and agriculture,” they said in a press release here on Wednesday.
The green organisation also pointed out the instance of farmers in the US now facing their worst-ever nightmare as a result of a contamination incident where Monsanto’s unapproved, herbicide tolerant (HT), Roundup Ready GM wheat was found in a wheat field in Oregon state.
The source of contamination is believed to be field trials of GM wheat.
Wheat importing partners of the US have reacted with cancellations and testing. The potential impact on wheat farmers could be very serious if the rejection escalates among importing countries.
“We therefore, urge the Union Government to stop pursuing these false solutions.
We also urge fellow citizens to make a choice and raise voice for GM-free food,” the press release said.