GMW: Farmer bodies up in arms in India

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GMW: Farmer bodies up in arms in India

" GM WATCH " <info

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 11:09:59 GMT

 

 

 

 

GM WATCH daily

http://www.gmwatch.org

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Farmer bodies linked to India's governing parties are warning that the

ruling coalition risks electoral defeat if it continues with its

" anti-farmer policies " .

 

 

Among the main points of concern is the Indo-US pact on ag research and

education which, farmers' leaders point out, will promote GMOs in

India, extend a strong patent regime in Indian agriculture and give

the US

and its multinationals free access to India's remarkable genetic

biodiversity. Both Wal-Mart and Monsanto are represented on the board

overseeing the pact.

 

Among those raising concerns is Krishan Bir Chaudhary, the executive

chairman of India's leading farmers' organisation, Bharat Krishak Samaj.

The BKS is the farming organisation of India's ruling Congress party.

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Farmer bodies of UPA coalition up in arms against govt

ASHOK B SHARMA

Financial Express, February 20, 2006

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=118161

 

The farmer organisations have cautioned the Congress-led government

against its " anti-farmer policies " . They have warned that unless the

ruling UPA coalition mends its ways it may face the same fate as that

of the

esrtwhile NDA government at the Centre.

 

Incidentally, such voices of resentment have come from the farmers'

outfit of the ruling UPA partners. The Bharat Krishak Samaj (BKS), the

farmers' outfit of the Congress party, has called for immediate

withdrawal

of the amendments to the Seeds Act tabled in Parliament.

 

Speaking to the FE BKS executive chairman Krishan Bir Chaudhary said:

" The amendments proposed to the Seeds Act are anti-farmer as they calls

for manadatory registration of seeds and prevents farmers from saving

seeds for the next crop. The Plant Varieties Protection & Farmers'

Rights (PVP & FR) Act is sufficient to regulate the seed sector. There

is no

need for any other legislation. Rather the PVP & FR Act should be further

amended in the interests of farmers and for making biopiracy

impossible. "

 

Dr Chaudhary criticised the prime minister and the agriculture minister

for suggesting that farmers diversify out of wheat and rice cultivation

when the government, apprehending shortage, has planned to import 5

lakh tonne of wheat. He said there is no need to import wheat as there is

enough stock in the country. He alleged that artificial shortage has

been created due to hoarding by traders and multinationals like Cargil

and ITC.

 

Dr Chaudhary also criticised the proposed Indo-US intitiative in

Agriculture Research and Education, describing it as against the

interests of

Indian farmers and a waste of public funds. He said that transgenic

technology worldwide in crops has created health and environmental

hazards

and consumers are reluctant to consume GM foods. The US, through this

collaboration, intends to thrust GM food on Indian consumers. The US and

multinationals will gain free access to the genetic biodiversity and

indulge in biopiracy, he said.

 

The general secretary of CPI's All India Kisan Sabha, Atul Kumar

Anjaan, in addition, said, " As per the proposed agreement Indian

scientists

who would be persuing studies in US under the exchange programme will

have to pay a hefty fee of Rs 400 crore. " He criticised the government's

move to invite FDI in retail sector as damaging to the interests of

farmers and small retailers. The joint secretary of CPM's farmers'

outfit,

NK Shukla said: " By this agreement, US would extend a strong patent

regime in agriculture, affecting the interests of Indian farmers. "

 

 

 

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