Press Note on GM Crops Revalidation
22nd March, 2014
AIKS condemns the decision of the GEAC to revalidate the field trials for ten varieties of Genetically Modified Food Crops as well as other crops in a hasty manner despite serious concerns expressed by wide sections. This decision is a bonanza given on the eve of the elections to the Indian and MNC agribusinesses and reeks of corrupt intentions. It is undemocratic and violation of Election Commission guidelines. Hence, AIKS requests the Election Commission to intervene to stall this undemocratic move bypassing the Parliament and aimed at aiding profiteering by big agribusinesses.
The hasty and intransparent decision of the Environment Ministry on the eve of announcement of Lok Sabha elections to allow field trials despite the absence of a stringent mechanism to ensure bio-safety as well as a strong regulatory body opened the floodgates for field trials and set in motion these fast-paced developments.
Rice, wheat and maize which form the part of staple diet in most parts of India, cotton and sorghum are some of the crops allowed for trials over large areas. Over 70 new proposals including of many food crops will also be examined by GEAC in April. More than100 GM food crop trials are also reported to be in the pipeline in different stages of their development. Notably the Supreme Court is hearing a case on the contentious subject of field trials and need for an effective regulatory mechanism for Biotechnologies. In addition the Technical Expert Committee appointed by the Court had recommended a moratorium on all field trials till an effective and independent regulator is put in place.
The applications for revalidation were made by companies whose permits had lapsed as they were opposed by States. This decision when the elections have been announced requires the approval of the Environment Ministry as well as the States as agriculture is a State subject. It is also in the context of the inevitable lapse of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority Bill as the Lok Sabha stands dissolved. The decision will allow MAHYCO, BASF India and Monsanto India to go ahead with wider or Phase II field trials for these genetically modified crops.
Kisan Sabha calls for keeping the decision in abeyance and for arriving at a decision in a transparent manner above suspicion after the constitution of the new Parliament with wide consultation with stake-holders and by meeting the federal norms.
Sd/- Amra Ram, President
Hannan Mollah, General Secretary
