A potential new enemy: Genetically Modified Foods in India

In India, where we say, AGRICULTURE is its backbone is facing the great insanity threat from the multi nationals whereby introducing the Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in the Food supply chain of India. Recently the BT Brinjal issue has taken its shape within the State government and the Central government of India. When the Monsanto corp, USA has made their entry into the Indian Food supply chain, they have began the widespread strategy of extending their market share and market volume in the Indian sub-continent. India’s annual production capacity of 8.4 million tones is such a massive market space to market the BT Brinjal whose devastating effects in the human life style and health are way too bad than predicted.

There are similar stories with the other ‘Genetically Modified Crops’ such as Cotton, Rice, Maize and Soyabean. India, being one of the leading producers of Cotton, Rice and Corn in the world is a heaven for the multi-nationals to sell their genetically modified foods in the Indian market where there are lot of potential involved. BT Cotton has already registered complaints over itching and other side effects while cultivating and during its applications. It could be even more destructive for the farmers and the consumers after using the GM foods which is taken into the body.

A recent report from Mr. Praful Bidwai, Reporter from Business.rediff.com has stated in his report that

The transgenic brinjal was developed by Mahyco (Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company) in collaboration with the US-based transnational, Monsanto. It involves the insertion of a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into the DNA or genetic code of the vegetable to produce pesticidal toxins in every cell.”

Adverse effects have been reported from the Philippines, the US and Germany from GM maize, cotton and soyabeans, including allergies in humans and permanent damage in pigs, cows and chickens. In the US, a GM food supplement called L-Tryptophan killed about 100 people and produced swelling, coughs, rashes, pneumonia, mouth ulcers, nausea, muscle spasms, difficulty in concentration and paralysis among 1,000 people.

Apart from the damage being caused in the body, the other direct effects would be the loss of soil fertility which makes the other crops to loose its capacity to be farmed on the land where the GM seeds have already harvested. Not just the consumers, the farmers will face a great threat and it becomes a monopolic productivity of crops in the cultivable lands. This would turn to a disaster when practiced.

This trade cannot be carried only with the help of the multi nationals alone. The local GM seed manufacturers play the vital role and its simply grinding a hole on the ship that we sail. The farmers associations, nationwide, have held meetings and protested the entry of BT Brinjal into the market. Also the Ministry of Agriculture has promised the farmers that they would not harm the local varieties of natural Brinjal by placing the GM seeds in the supply chain. But then their promise is still Surreal.

Personally, I know how hard it is to export a T-Shirt from India or China or Bangladesh to the West. It is really hard to overcome the certifications stating that the product does not contains any harmful chemical substances which damages the human health and environment. There are organizations created by the European Union called “REACH” whose primary objective is to certify the products’ ingredients are harmless to the consumers. Such organizations are considered to be the gateway of the market. Is diplomatic supremacy is the only reason in India for allowing the multinationals like Monsanto into the market. Post your comments on it.

Therefore,

Source of Inspiration: Dr. Vandhana Shiva, is a Philosopher, environmental activist, eco feminist.

Her notable books: India Divided, Soil Not Oil, Earth Democracy, Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution, and Profit