MySuru: Nearly 11 years after the Union Government implemented an unlimited moratorium on the trial of the BT Brinjal Field – the first genetically modified plant for mass production in India-farmers and activists from Karnataka have opposed the proposal for the field trial at BT Counts and Corn BT .
They have launched a campaign to raise sounds with proposals.
According to notifications issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology, and the Environment, comments and objections have been invited to publish NOC to conduct limited field trials from BT cotton and BT corn.
The last date for filing an objection is October 30.
According to activists, the proposal raises a number of questions because the objection was invited by the Department of Environment over the Ministry of Agriculture and Horticulture which is a real stakeholder of agricultural activities in the state.
K Ramakrishnappa, a former director of the State Horticulture Department said he was surprised by the whole process.
“There is no public consultation even though the problem is serious.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Horticulture are not involved in the process even though they form a policy associated with the agricultural sector.
Previously, the government and state government imposed a moratorium on such trials quoting public health and other reasons.
When we Having rich biodiversity, original seeds and varieties, I do not understand the logic behind that allows this kind of trial, “he said.
Krishnaprasad, Director of Sahaja Samrudha based in Mysuru, who promotes organic farming, warns that if BT Cotton or Corn is allowed, it will have a devastating impact on the seeds of Desi, plant diversity and public health in general.
When contacted by BC Patil, the Minister of Agriculture said he did not know the proposal.
“I was busy with a Hanagal by-election campaign.
Once I returned to Bengaluru, I would see this problem,” he said.
Badagalapura Nagendra, President Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha said the organization would not allow field trials to occur in the state.
“It is very sad to know that the Minister of Agriculture is not aware of this proposal.
We will oppose this proposal together with all the same-minded organizations,” he said.