THE NEWS IN
PROPORTION
17 February 2020
17 February 2020
GM MUSTARD
‘Sarso mein IP ka tadka’ leaves local farmers in the dock
‘Sarso mein IP ka tadka’ leaves local farmers in the dock
As debates around genetically modified (GM) mustard pick up in India, Shalini Bhutani takes a look at the neglected diversity of the oilseed mustard crop on native farmers’ fields and points to the bias of the existing law.
INDIAN SEED CONGRESS 2015
For the love of the seed industryIt was a Valentine’s Day vow with a difference. The bond between the private seed industry and the public agricultural sector received a fillip at the recently concluded Indian Seed Congress in Agra over the weekend, reports Shalini Bhutani.
GM EFFECT
A few facts for GM-advocate Manmohan SinghAt the 101st Indian Science Congress in Jammu, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his faith in the potential of biotechnology for agricultural development. Devinder Sharma discusses findings that raise questions about the basis of his conviction.
GM CONTROVERSY
Seeds of doubtThe effect of GM crops on food, agriculture and farmers continues to be highly controversial, polarising scientists and policy-makers alike. Darryl D'Monte outlines some of the recent turns in the debate to show that the truth, perhaps, lies somewhere in between.
BOOK REVIEW
On the trail of toxinsThe ubiquity of genetically modified crops, brought about by the sustained efforts of agribusiness giant Monsanto has raised concerns globally. Neeta Deshpande reviews Marie-Monique Robin's The World According to Monsanto: Pollution, Politics and Power.
BRAI BILL
GM Crops: Can India follow the Philippines example?The Court of Appeals in Philippines has recently passed an order, prohibiting field trials of GM Bt Brinjal. As the Indian government seeks to push through the BRAI Bill, Neha Saigal exposes its loopholes and argues why we should go the Philippines way.
NOT READY YET
Government ignores adverse TEC reportThe Ministry of Agriculture moves to introduce adoption of genetically modified crops in India, in the name of food security. Scientists, however, are critical of this move. Neha Saigal reports.
OPINION : AGRIBUSINESS
Schizophrenia of agricultural policyAny discussion of GM crops must take place within the larger framework of the indispensable need to promote biodiversity and set up agricultural policies linked to this need, writes Sujatha Byravan.
ENVIRONMENT/AGRICULTURE
Reasons for the Bt Brinjal moratoriumBarely three days after the conclusion of the last of six public hearings, Minister of Environment Jairam Ramesh slapped a moratorium on the release of Bt Brinjal. Anupama Rao summarises key points from the Minister's note.
GM CROPS
Where is the science?The debate in GM plants is deeply suffused by vested interests. In addition to impeding research, companies also exert their influence on review and approval, writes Sujatha Byravan.
HERBICIDE RESISTANCE
Too risky to tolerateSmall farmers distribute risk and harvest different things from different sources . Heribicide Tolerant crops strike at the very root of such proven strategies relying on diversity, writes Suman Sahai.
GM FOODS
Pause before you eatThe Bt gene in brinjal does not increase productivity. But what it is surely about to do is bring India's first genetically altered food crop to your dining table. And there are lots of reasons why this should worry you, writes Devinder Sharma.
REGULATING GM FOODS
SC to look into deregulation of GM food importsFollowing Gene Campaign's challenge to the government's decision to withdraw all existing regulatory oversight over the import of GE foods, the Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, writes Suman Sahai.
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- Retired Scientist
- National Physical
- Laboratory
- India Together reader
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From Aug 2013, published with support from Oorvani Foundation, a champion of public-funded media for the new India.
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