Genetically modified (GM) crops come with their share of concerns. Opponents argue that GM organisms have not been studied extensively to determine the effects and are pushing for GMO food labels. It is surprising how GM brinjal seedlings were sold in Haryana (‘Ground Zero’ page, “The mysterious case of GM brinjal cultivation”, June 15). Unregulated selling of seeds has serious consequences for India’s biodiversity, especially as the country is not adequately equipped to detect GM contamination. Also, the effect of GM crops on pollinator populations remains, surprisingly, poorly understood.
The paradox of India’s agricultural policies is that it is still unable to conserve its present food grain, fruit and vegetables output or ensure the welfare of our farming community. Mergers and acquisitions over the last few years have given a few multinational firms a dominant position to control over 60% of global seed sales. The same seed companies, curiously, appear to sell more than 60% of pesticides too.
H.N. Ramakrishna,
Bengaluru
While the government may claim that the case is an isolated event, it is important to investigate the nexus behind the supply of seeds. We cannot afford to be fostering a Frankenstein’s monster as far as Indian agriculture is concerned. GM crops have probably entered our food chains and the situation is ripe to debate the issue transparently.
Rishav Agarwal,
Bhubaneswar, Odisha