Farmer union calls for ban on imported seeds

What are GM seeds?

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• GM seeds are produced using a technology called genetic engineering, which involves inserting DNA into the genome of an organism — transferring selected genes from one organism to another
• GM plants can harm non-target organisms, soil and water ecosystems
• The BSK has been raising concerns over the harmful effects of GM seeds

The Himachal Pradesh Bharatiya Kisan Union (BSK) has demanded a ban on the use of imported GM seeds for growing crops in the country, and submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Central Government through Kangra Lok Sabha MP Rajiv Bhardwaj.

A delegation of the union, led by state vice-president Roshan Lal and district president (Kangra) Hoshiar Singh, submitted the memorandum to the MP at Jassur yesterday. The union has appealed to the MP to raise this issue in the winter Lok Sabha session.

It termed the use of GM seeds dangerous for the environment and for soil.

The union, in its memorandum, said some multinational companies were trying to sell seeds in India. However, the use of such seed was neither in the interest of farmers, nor was it good for the environment.

The union alleged that the companies were trying to replace the use of traditional seeds in the Indian agriculture sector. Bhardwaj assured the delegation that their concern would be raised in the Parliament.