GMW: Ban Monsanto call by Indian farmers

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GMW: Ban Monsanto call by Indian farmers

" GM WATCH " <info

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:27:24 GMT

 

 

 

GM WATCH daily

http://www.gmwatch.org

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EXCERPT: " ...the effects of this technology on agriculture, farmers,

environment and human health has not been properly evaluated'' -

Agriculture scientist Dr Debashish Banerj, who was among the panelists

at the

public hearing attended by about 500 farmers

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Wilting of Bt cotton in MP [Madhya Pradesh], farmers demand ban on

companiess

Kerala, 14 Nov 2005

http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews & id=52326

 

Bhopal: The genetically modified Bt cotton crops in over two lakh acre

area in Nirmar region in western Madhya Pradesh suffered partial or

complete wilting causing a loss of more than Rs 400 crores, the affected

farmers said today.

 

The farmers, who held a public hearing last month at Kukshi in Dhar

district, urged the state government to ban multi-national Monsanto and

other companies which sold Bt cotton seeds in the state and sought

compensation.

 

Several varieties, which had been banned in Andhra Pradesh for similar

reasons, had been allowed to be marketed in Madhya Pradesh.

 

''Instead of banning these varieties, the state government gave

extension to these companies for another three years'', Mr Mohanlal

Patidar,

President of Kukshi Mandi Samiti, told reporters today.

 

''The 'banned' varieties were causing huge losses to the farmers in MP,

the state government should have been vigilant and banned it'', said

Agriculture scientist Dr Debashish Banerji, who was among the panelists

at the public hearing attended by about 500 farmers.

 

''The experience of the farmers of Nimar has shown that there is an

urgent need to review the genetically modified technology as the effects

of this technology on agriculture, farmers, environment and human health

has not been properly evaluated'', Dr Banerji said.

 

During the public hearing, a health report presented by Mr Amulya Nidhi

showed that Bt cotton was causing severe to moderate allergy to people

coming in contact with it.

 

 

 

 

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