Progressive farmers protest GM mustard

Rohtak, October 3

Progressive farmers and supporters of natural farming/organic agriculture have launched a state-wide campaign titled ‘sarson satyagrah’ against the government’s move to allow genetically modified (GM) mustard.

As part of the demonstration, the protesters observed a 24-hour fast which ended this morning. Following that, a delegation of the protesters met the DC and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister against GM mustard .

Prof Rajinder Chaudhary, Adviser to Kudarti Kheti Abhiyaan, Haryana, said the danger of GM seeds is that they were likely to pollute the existing organic varieties as wind, bees and butterflies inadvertently caused cross-fertilisation.

“As a result, farmers as well as consumers lose their right to decide whether to sow/consume GM products or not. Once produced, it will be impossible to separate GM mustard oil from non-GM mustard oil. So the people will either have to stop using mustard oil or be compelled to use GM variety,” he added. — TNS