Cycling With A Mission

Genetically Modified (GM) food is created by taking genes from organisms like bacteria, viruses, spiders, scorpions or even human beings and forcibly inserting them into the genome of brinjals, potatoes, corn etc. so the crops develop new traits. Often though, the new foods resulting from these experiments develop characteristics that are unnatural and unpredictable. When GM food was tested on rats, the results were alarming. Evidence linked GM with stunted growth, impaired immune systems, potentially precancerous cell growth in the intestines, enlarged livers, pancreases and intestines, higher blood sugar etc. Latest studies have confirmed that GM affects fertility.
To Stop GM , read and Send Petition:
To:

Shri Jairam Ramesh,
Hon’ble Minister for Environment & Forests,
Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road
New Delhi – 110003, India
Fax: 011-24362222
Email: mosef@nic.in

Date :
Dear Sir,

Sub: Stop Bt Brinjal – Keep India GM-Free – Food Security through organic farming and sustainable methods – reg.

We are writing to you with utmost concern and shock at the GEAC’s decision to approve the release of Bt Brinjal. We also understand that if not for your timely intervention, we may already be eating this toxin-laden vegetable, probably for the first time in the world and for the first time in the history of humanity. We must thank you for withholding the approval.

We recognise the decision to release Bt Brinjal or any other Genetically Modified(GM) crop as a national disaster, and totally avoidable. India, as one of the mega biodiversity regions of the world, has a magnificent range of plants and crops that we have developed and cherished through natural methods over centuries. The release of GM crops will wipe out this diversity, while causing economic hardship for our farmers, destroying natural resources and ceding control of our farming and food security to a few transnational corporations. This is the hard and sad lesson we have already learnt from the Bt cotton( the only GM crop being grown in India) experience.

We believe that Bt Brinjal has been approved for release without the necessary safety tests that will ensure its absolute safety. When Bt brinjal is not proven safe, why this haste ? for whom? Let us assure you that no farmer or consumer is this country is in any hurry. For the last 30 years, we were victims of the high-input -intensive chemical farming and now we are moving towards sustainable and low-input method of producing crops – organic farming is one such way. There is a indubitable preference for organic farming across the country. Thousands of farmers across the country are exploring and expanding this alternative to feed our families and ensure our food security. At this juncture the release of Bt Brinjal and other GM crops would negate all our/their efforts.

We have in the recent past observed and admired your efforts and bold decisions in support of environment conservation and revival .

As a person upholding good environmental governance, transparency and honesty, we believe you will take very pro-active steps to keep India GM Free.

Sir, we request you to proactively intervene in this matter and stop the environmental release / commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal in India. Thank you.

Yours truly,

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