Kerala's recent decision that no genetically modified (gm) crop will be grown in the state has been hailed by
environmental and farmers' organisations across the state.
Kerala agriculture minister Mullakara Rathnakaran announced this, saying that farmer suicides like those in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh should not
happen in Kerala. "Kerala is rich in agro-biodiversity and the government sees it as its top priority to protect it," said Rathnakaran.
The announcement came in response to the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee's approval of field trials of six hybrids of Bt rice in the state's
Palakkad region. Kerala had earlier withheld its permission to Mahyco to conduct gm field trails in the state. Even the
Supreme Court stopped approvals for field trials in September 2006.
Organisations like Thanal, Desiya Karshaka Samithi and Ecological Protection Forum Palakkad have welcomed the decision.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.