Scientists call for reviewing policy on GM crops

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Scientists call for reviewing policy on GM crops

_http://www.orissadaily.com/press-release/392.html_

(http://www.orissadaily.com/press-release/392.html)

 

Bhubaneswar: Eminent scientists from OUAT, CRRI, CTCRI, CIFA, doctors from

Institute of Life Sciences, Regional Medical Research Centre, Government

Ayurvedic Hospital, Jana Swasthya Abhiyan, professors from the Utkal

University,

noted social workers, media persons and activists have appealed to the policy

makers to review their stand on Genetically Modified crops.

 

The need of the hour was ecology friendly sustainable agriculture that

produced safe and nourishing food using nature as a friend and not going

against

its rules that have been shaped by centuries of careful adaptation, opined Dr

Dhanada Mishra, Chairman, Human Development Foundation at a discussion

session on “The Science and Politics of Genetic Engineering†organized by

Living

Farms, Bhubaneswar, at IMAGE Conference Hall here on August 23.

 

This session was attended by Dr Michael Hansen Senior Scientist Consumers

Union, USA GVV Sharma, Revenue Secretary, Prof Radhamohan, former State

Information Commissioner, Director Biotechnology, Government of Orissa, Vice

Chancellor OUAT, Director OUAT and other noted persons.

 

Dr Michael Hansen in his talk pointed out the imprecise nature of Genetic

Engineering. There is no way to ensure the intended effect and the process is

highly unpredictable, he said. He cited various scientific studies to point

out the adverse effects this technology was having on agriculture as well as

health of farmers and consumers worldwide. He busted the myth of high yield and

low pesticide use being associated with the Genetically Modified (GM) crops

by showing statistics that showed such effects were temporary and GM crops

fared much worse than their traditional counterparts in the long run.

 

He also criticized the proponents of GM crops for trying to project GM crops

as the solution to the food crisis that loomed ahead. GM technology was yet

to fathom all the conditions behind increased yield and therefore such

statements were mischievous he stated. The companies advocating GM crops were

the

ones that once said DDT was safe for humans. Thus it will be fallacious to

assume that these industries are doling out correct information.

 

The solution to the present crisis is not a new and untested technology but

exploring other safe and sure methods that exist but are ignored because they

cannot be exploited for profit by the industry. He exposed the industry

science nexus by quoting from correspondence between the companies advocating

GM

crops and the scientists and institutions that supported their views.

 

The effect of GM foods on the health of consumers has never been seriously

studied, he said. He cited medical studies which pointed out that the foreign

proteins created by the inserted Bt gene over stimulate the immune system and

cause allergenicity. Studies on rats and mice have revealed serious health

disorders that have never been seriously followed up. In India cultivation of

Bt Cotton, a genetically modified crop has been allowed in a few States. This

is not a food crop and yet those handling it have come down with severe

allergies. The crop by products eaten by cattle and other animals has affected

them severely. What would happen when genetically modified food crops are

introduced is a question all Indians should seriously ponder upon, he

suggested.

 

Genetic Engineering is reductionist in approach that fails to study the

local ecology and evolve holistic solutions, Dr Hansen revealed.

 

Dr D P Ray, Vice Chancellor, OUAT, said that his institution was indeed

concentrating upon alternating methods than jumping into the GM bandwagon. He

said industry sponsored studies should not be taken at their face value. Higher

yields can be possible by ensuring the fertility of the soil, choosing

appropriate crops, lessening chemical inputs and using such methods as Marker

Assisted Selection (MAS) that did not require the physical insertion of foreign

genes. Orissa is a State with a rich biodiversity. It would not be wise to let

Genetically Modified crops contaminate this, he emphasised.

 

The Dean, Agriculture, OUAT, was of the opinion that GM technology was a

risk that should be best avoided. The first generation crops were already

proving to have serious adverse effects. When the second and third generation

crops

would be introduced the effect would be disastrous, he said.

 

Prof Radhamohan was of the opinion that Genetically Modified crops should be

rejected per se, a view that found favour with a large section of the

audience who were shocked at the revelations. They agreed with Dr Michael

Hansen

that agriculture and food production is too important to be left to profit

seeking industries. “We need to have a knowledge based approach and not brute

force that seeks to change nature with an untested and imprecise technology

that

was already showing its seamy side.â€

 

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