REPORT
IN FOCUS
Protest against Genetic Engineering (GE) of Agricultural Crops
in India
Protest
against Genetic Engineering (GE) of Agricultural Crops in India
Agricultural
technologies, unlike many other technologies, have a major
impact on human beings and other life forms. These technologies will
impact each one of us as we are all consumers of food. Agricultural
technologies also have the ability to leave lasting impacts, as the
lesson from chemical pesticides has shown us.
In the case
of
Genetic Engineering, more than any other agricultural technology, the
need for utmost precaution is urgent and imperative. There is ample
evidence to show that it is imprecise and unpredictable. What is worse,
it is irreversible since it involves living organisms which are capable
of procreation and further spread, unlike the chemical molecules used
in pesticides. Its potential for contamination and bringing about
evolutionary-level changes in eco-systems cannot be denied. There is a
great hype created around the technology as “frontier science” and as
the only alternative for the future.
To create an
informed
public debate on Genetic Engineering in Agriculture and more so, on
Democratization of Science and Technology, The Centre for Sustainable
Agriculture, Secunderabad, has published an introductory handbook
“Genetic Engineering in Indian Agriculture”.
They are also
organizing a protest against Genetic Engineering being thrust on
people, leaving very little choices and jeopardising their health and
environment in irreversible ways.
If you are
concerned, you could support the cause by participating in the protest
to be held on April
8, 2008,
at the Indira Park, at 10 a.m.
For
further details contact: The Centre for
Sustainable Agriculture, 12-13-445, Street # 1, Tarnaka,
Secunderabad-500017. Phone: +919393001550 www.csa-india.org; www.indiagminfo.org
