Monsanto gets ready to test modified soyabean in India
Armed with the permission to undertake large-scale trials of Bt cotton, a genetically modified (GM) variety, biotech giant Monsanto has now got permission from the Indian government to import certain strains of its GM soyabean for testing under controlled laboratory conditions.
The Round-up Ready soyabean is a variety that has been modified to resist Monsanto's round-up herbicide. In this way the company has come up with a two-way profit option -- one through the variety itself and the other through the herbicide.
The implications for the local farmers are many. Recently, a Canadian farmer was asked to pay US $85,000 to Monsanto because pollen of GM canola were found on his field ( Read: BIOTECH COMPENSATION, Down To Earth , Vol 9, No 24, May 15).
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.
.png)
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.