The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has a new argument against genetically modified crops - “It is westernisation of agriculture science”.
Farmers’ Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister Dr Ramkrishna Kusmaria spelt out his government’s stand while asking Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh not to allow commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal. “Madhya Pradesh government strongly opposes westernisation of agriculture science and a narrow-minded approach,” Dr Kusmaria wrote to Ramesh on Thursday. “The state government can’t compromise on its policy of agriculture growth with organic farming.”
The minister will attend a programme organised by Vishwa Yuvak Kendra in New Delhi on Friday and meet Ramesh who is due to take part along with farmers and scientists from across the country.
Dr Kusmaria said more than 250 varieties of brinjal are grown over 16,000 hectares in Madhya Pradesh, mostly by small and marginal farmers. The government won’t allow its bioresources to be damaged, he said.
The state government said it would not let Bt Brinjal enter the state, saying the genetically modified crop could take a toll on the health of consumers. While the jury is still out on the technology, the state has already made up its mind. Immediately after the GEAC’s nod to Bt Brinjal, the state had announced that it would ban the crop because “it’s not in the interest of our farmers and land.”
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