A massive public campaign against the introduction of genetically modified Bt brinjal in Indian farming is scheduled to take place at 10.30 am on Saturday 23 January 2010 in Bangalore, South India.The Public Consultation to be held by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests (i/c) is endorsed by many including journalists, Greenpeace activists, South Indian co ordination committee for farmers’ movements, environmentalists and consumer protection centers.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the regulatory authority for transgenic crops instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests is ready to allow commercial release of genetically modified Bt Brinjal in India. The decision was based on the Expert Committee Report- II developed by Mahyco, the company that intends to release Bt brinjal in India. If the Ministry gives the nod, this Bt brinjal would become the first genetically modified food in India. There is a long list of rice and 56 other varieties of genetically modified foods such as Tomatoes, Potatoes, Corn, Ladies finger, Papaya, Mustard among others that are awaiting clearance by GEAC.
French Team Says Genetically Modified Bt Brinjal Unsafe
French environmental crusaders are fighting back as India is toying with the idea of allowing genetically modified brinjals into market. An independent committee says the BT brinjals are unsafe.
French environmental crusaders are fighting back as India is toying with the idea of allowing genetically modified brinjals into market. An independent committee says the BT brinjals are unsafe.
Genetic modification (GM) of crops is done in agriculture under the pretext that it would enhance desirable properties or create new characteristics or develop resistance to specific diseases or pests. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) include crops that are modified by inserting gene/s from any other plant, animal and microorganism. In India, GM technology has been used in cultivation of Bt Cotton, done by using a gene of Bacillus thurengiensis, a soil bacterium, and inserting it into cotton plant.
Agricultural experts in India fear that GM agriculture could cause loss of agricultural and natural biodiversity, destroy genetic heritage and suppress the growth of indigenous nutritional and medicinal plants in farmlands. Cultural traditions and farming practices that help to conserve traditional seeds will be lost and it is feared that once GMO is introduced, multinational corporations will ensure that farmers totally depend on these profit seeking companies for supply of seeds every season.
New Variety of GM Rice To Fight Allergies
Scientists in Japan have achieved a breakthrough in advancing towards the next generation of genetically modified rice, which will fight allergies instead of causing them.
Scientists in Japan have achieved a breakthrough in advancing towards the next generation of genetically modified rice, which will fight allergies instead of causing them.
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Genetically Modified Soya Bean Can Prevent Heart Attacks
A genetically modified soya bean, which can help to prevent heart attacks, has passed the first phase of trials in the United States.
A genetically modified soya bean, which can help to prevent heart attacks, has passed the first phase of trials in the United States.
THK
