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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009 5:53 AM IST
  • Posted: Thu, Oct 15 2009. 1:05 AM IST

Quick Edit | Biotechnology and hunger

In India, hunger is a fact of life. At the same time, the country is reaching the limit of output in artificially irrigated areas

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Two unrelated stories, the Food and Agriculture Organization putting the number of hungry at 1.02 billion this year and the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee deliberating on the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) brinjal, when seen in the same frame, make for interesting reading.

If there is a bigger story here, it is that the Union government needs to adopt a positive attitude towards GM foods. In India, hunger is a fact of life. At the same time, the country is reaching the limit of output in artificially irrigated areas. It is time technological options to increase output were taken seriously. The Green Revolution has been exhausted and it’s time biotechnology was put to use.

There are safety concerns in using biotech, but they are nowhere as serious as critics believe them to be. In the US and elsewhere, GM foods have gained acceptance and no health and safety problems have been reported. These issues should be sorted quickly and not used to derail the potential of GM foods.

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K Said:


Some scientists believe that GM food might have an effect on bio-diversity and also will have an impact on health. The GM industry believes otherwise. If so, why not publish all reports of the testing in the public domain? Why the secrecy? It is this secrecy that makes me suspect the motives of corporations. Don't we have enough examples of corporations silencing genuine research even in prestigous US universities? And just because it has been adopted in the US doesn't mean we do it here? Have you forgotten Monsanto's Posilac which has been banned in almost all first world countries except the US?

Posted On 10/15/2009 9:52:16 AM
WITAN Said:


What is the reason for your remark that the government "needs to adopt a positive attitude towards GM foods"? In my opinion, the govt is taking a RATIONAL attitude. Are you suggesting that the govt should blindly approve all GM crops for commercial cultivation? §In the particular case of Bt Brinjal, all scientific evidence points to health hazards to consumers of the vegetable. You might recall that there were mass deaths of goats that fed on Bt Cotton leftovers. A certain protein produced by the Bt plant is possibly the toxic substance. You can imagine what could happen if that same protein is produced in Bt Brinjal -- AS IT CERTAINLY WILL BE -- and is consumed by HUMANS. §Contrary to your insinuation, the govt is actually promoting and vigorously supporting Biotechnology, especially in agriculture, but is prudently evaluating each case for approval. In the case of Bt brinjal, it is obvious that it is being pushed hard by the GM MNC, Monsanto, which is not known for its concern for the welfare of the people, especially in third-world countries. It is also known that many influential politicians and "scientists" have been "persuaded" by Monsanto and certain other GM cos to lobby for and support their products.

Posted On 10/15/2009 6:10:29 PM
Surya Said:


Please get yr facts right before throwing 'the' opinions. GM food has not been welcomed with open arms across the globe. EU n many others have got strict guidelines amounting to virtual absence of GMOs in food crops and products there.Or the least they will be labelled upholding everyone's right to information and to make informed choices. US as usual ,the trade gets more prominence at cost of human welfare. There are ample studies suggesting the obviois as well as latent cons of GM foods. Check on net for authentic studies that nulls out most of the claims GM food industry perpetrates..Even many studies done have shown that many of the so called studies proclaiming the merits of GM food have either been fabricated or have alarming gaps in the theory. Lot of online sorces available. Hence 'm not providing you with the links. If you cant still find them, sure I'll help you open your eyes..That said I agree there should be constructive debate on the pros n cons of the issue along with more awareness to people..As food is something we all eat and have a right to know its whereabouts. Please do not shun the other side due to ignorance or vested interest ..whatever that be..

Posted On 10/15/2009 7:37:07 PM
surya Said:


UTTER CRAP!!

Posted On 10/16/2009 3:51:09 PM
SCAggarwal Said:


Mr. Editor, Can you do me a favour? I do not agree with you that in India, hunger is a fact of life. Will you kindly identify how many people or families are suffering from hunger in the villages where you and your hon'ble mother and your wife were born? I hope you will come to know of so many things if you send the reply and oblige me. SC Aggarwal Founder, Poverty Trust.

Posted On 10/16/2009 6:48:04 PM
Rajesh Said:


this 'quick edit' is a perfect example of what happens when you have 'opinions' being expressed by media houses without basic minimum research. I wish you had looked at the causes of poverty in our country or any other part of the world before coming ot the 'quick' conclusion that Bt brinjal or any other Gm crop would reduce poverty in our country.It does not need much thinking to come to the conclusion that Bt Brinjal is not going provide food security to our country. Mint would be a doing great injustice to the citizens of India by overlooking the potential health, environmental and socio-economic impacts of GM crops and promoting a technology that is very ambiguous. One is left with a feeling that it is a clear case of media taking the side of Industry against the interest of general public.

Posted On 11/2/2009 12:12:41 PM
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