CHENNAI: Taking out a sharp attack on the anti-GM environmental activists, Professor Dr Shanthu Shantharam of the Iowa State University’s Seed Science Centre said that the decision on the usage of GM crops should be left to farmers and not to environmental activists. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘GM Technology – Myth and Reality’ organised by the Industrial Economist magazine on Saturday at the CLRI.
"Let farmers give the verdict," said the scientist who has worked for biotechnology and bio-safety for the US-AID and the UN-FAO. Countering arguments that Bt Cotton was a failure, he said that farmers were using Bt Cotton in spite of the criticism leveled against it.
Allegations that Multi National Companies are taking over India through GM crops and farmers are committing suicide because of GM, are politically motivated, he said. "These allegations are perpetuated by a small group of environmentalists with a clear political agenda. While they use the best of technology to advance their activities, they do not want the farmers to get the benefit from the science," he said.
He urged the Indian scientific community to take up the issue and dispel the attacks on GM food. He said that after the Green Revolution the farmers in the country have not had access to any scientific technology. "GM crops should be allowed to be tested and used in the country. He said that scientific complexities associated with GM crops including bio-safety, long term environmental impact and human health impact can be dealt with scientifically
Some farmers at the event also agreed with the scientist. Raveendran, a farmer from Thiruvarur district pointed out that he has been able to increase his productivity and reduce costs on pesticides with the introduction of Bt Cotton. He said that the quality of the cotton produced was also better.
Others speakers at the event added that the scientific community must do more research in the area, and produce evidence to dispel fears.