New Delhi: Expressing their resistance against GM-mustard, thousands of people joined ‘Sarson Satyagraha’ in 18 states on Gandhi Jayanti today, asserting the hybrid variety is “unwanted, unneeded and unsafe“.
The ‘Satyagraha’ took various forms ranging from Gram Sabha resolutions to remain GM-free to take part in a mustard festival, organised by the Delhi government to gather public feedback on GM mustard.
Eminent citizens, scientists, film personalities, farmer leaders, artists, and activists took part in these events.
The ‘Satyagraha’ organisers called upon independent scientists from various subject of expertise to speak out now to ensure regulation on GM mustard is “rigorous, independent and transparent“.
They urged state governments to assert their constitutional authority over agriculture and health and write to the Centre before “it is too late“.
They asked citizens to assert their right to safe food and environment, right to informed choices and ensure governments are accountable towards them.
“We have now understood well farcical and sham processes of consultation that GEAC (country’s biotech regulator) is engaging in, in a biased and selective fashion,” said Kavitha Kuruganti, Convenor, Coalition for a GM-Free India.
She said beekeepers and honey industry have also expressed concern the GM-mustard will adversely impact their livelihoods and enterprises but “the regulators and the government are turning a deaf ear to them“.