Opponents of genetically modified crops to be out in full force at public consultation to be chaired by minister
Opponents of genetically modified crops to be out in full force at public consultation to be chaired by minister
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh is not likely to rejoice at the idea of tasting the various baingan dishes Bangaloreans plan to serve him this Saturday. For, the delectable mix of organic brinjal dishes on the menu drawn up by opponents of genetically modified crops will come seasoned with not a little criticism of the government move to introduce Bt brinjal.
Condemning the move by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) to approve commercial production of Bt brinjal in farms across the country, civic groups will make use of 'baingan specials' to get the message across to the environment minister, who will be in the city on Saturday to chair a public consultation before the Centre takes a final stand on February 10 on the introduction of genetically modified brinjal.
The opponents of genetically modified crops plan to cook popular brinjal dishes, including 'roti-engayi' and 'vangibath', for the minister and other dignitaries at the public consultation.
"We have planned unique ways to present our stand before the minister," said G Krishna Prasad, founder of Sahaja Samrudha, a forum of people associated with organic farming. "We will raise our voice against plans to promote Bt Brinjal in India."
The meet is scheduled to happen in Jnana Jyoti Auditorium this Saturday, as part of the Environment Ministry's public consultations across the nation on the issue.
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GANDHIGIRI: People opposed to the introduction of Bt brinjal in the country plan to voice their criticism even as they serve Jairam Ramesh brinjal delicacies from the state |
Brinjals, not flowers
On the occasion, opponents of genetically modified crops have many surprises lined up for Ramesh.u00a0
While a few invitees to the consultation have decided to greet Ramesh with 'baigan buckets' instead of flower buckets, a few have decided to put forth their stand by organising a 'Baigan Mela', or brinjal festival, to showcase the varieties of brinjal grown in the state.
"The Brinjal Mela is usually organised to popularise the crop we grow," said Krishna Prasad. "But this time we will do it register our protest."
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A poster by Sahaj Samrudha, a forum of people associated with organic farming |
It is understood that most consumer groups, citizen's forums, doctors, NGOs, government officials, traders, agricultural experts, scientists, people's representatives and agriculturists who will make their statements as part of the ongoing debate across the nation on genetically modified crops, have planned to oppose it.
The opponents, especially those associated with organic farming, term the introduction of Bt brinjal as the starting point of a disastrous impact on farmers.
The Baigan Mela will showcase over 60 varieties of brinjal grown in the state. The varieties to be showcased include beli gundu badane, chola badane, kothi tale badane, hole chippga, mara badane, mullu badane, musuku badane, nelle badane, patte badane and mattu galla.
Not to stop at this, they are also planning to cook famous Brinjal recipes that include Roti-Engayi and Vangibath for the minister and dignitaries present in public consultation.u00a0u00a0u00a0
Going PowerPoint
Other invitees have decided to make PowerPoint presentations before the minister.
"I'm making a PowerPoint presentation that throws light on the hazardous effects of genetically engineered crops on health," said Dr C A Kishore, a medical consultant. "We have enough evidences to prove that genetically modified crops are dangerous."u00a0
Other protests
The minister may also have to face the heat of protests of the more regular kind, as the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, another organisation taking part in the consultation, is exploring the option of staging a demonstration, besides making an appeal.
"We will make our presentation before the minister," said K Jagadish, a senior member of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch. "We will stage protests opposing the GEAC's stand if necessary."
