In July 2004, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)
approved extensive one-year trials in 80 locations (2) each for
each zone, of the stacked gene cotton hybrids containing two genes,
Cry 1Ac and Cry 2 Ab (called Bollgard II). These were first
approved for field trials for central and south zones. In March
2005, similar field trials were approved for the north zone also.
Like in the case of Bollgard I, this technology is once again the
proprietary technology obtained from Monsanto, the largest seed
company in the world. Other than Mahyco, Monsanto has licensed
Bollgard II to several other companies: Ajeet Seeds, Krishidhan
Seeds and Rasi Seeds are currently conducting large-scale field
trials.
Mr Ranchodlal Gonaji a farmer from Temariyan, Petlawad block,
Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh was one of the farmers approached
by MAHYCO to test their BG II cotton. The company did not sign any
agreement with the farmer. Sowing took place late. No visits were
conducted to the trial plot by the company; in fact, the plot had
begun wilting and the farmer approached the company quite a few
times but in vain. The farmer was asked to remove the soybean
existing on his plot and then sow the BGII seed supplied to him.
The farmer has already sold whatever little produce he had from the
plot to a local trader in Petlawad.
The MEC has documented 17 such cases from 5 states that are
representative of the abysmal regulatory failure of RCGM and GEAC,
the gross violations conducted by the companies as well as point
out to the future fate of farmers who opt for commercial
cultivation of these hybrids which would be approved based on such
unscientific trials.
Snapshot of the key issues raised by the report:
- All materials from field trials, including seeds, cotton, crop
residue etc., have entered (are about to enter) the regular supply
chain. This is a clear violation of biosafety rules for Bollgard
II. The companies are clearly flouting the rules and guidelines of
the EPA.
- In cases where the farmer has incurred heavy losses and where
the company refused to come and monitor the plot, there are no
accountability mechanisms put in place that protect the farmers'
interests.
- The trials are being conducted in an unscientific manner. In
several cases the company has abandoned data when the crop starts
performing poorly. Would this mean that they fabricate numbers for
this plot, or that they calculate averages for approval only from
those plots that the company finds promising, is a question to be
explored.
There are currently 21 food crops (cereals, vegetables, pulses)
are being genetically engineered in the country. Over 13 of these
are currently being tested in open-air field trials in numerous
unknown locations across the country. The findings presented in the
MEC report raise serious questions about the biosafety of these
potentially dangerous GE foods.
In the light of these findings based on information and evidence
that emerged during the cotton growing season of 2005 from the
states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and
Tamil Nadu, the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee demands:
- That all BG2 field trials be declared invalid in all states of
the country.
- A ban all ongoing field trials (RCGM and GEAC) of Genetically
Engineered crops in India
- That all the seed companies conducting field trials of BGII be
penalised for biosafety violations and farmers compensated
For further information, contact
Divya Draghuna, Greenpeace India GE Campaigner,
Notes to Editor
1. The Monitoring and Evaluation Committee [MEC] to monitor Bt Cotton across the country was set up by Adivasi Ekta Sangathan, AKRSP, CEAD, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Grameen Vikas Trust, Greenpeace India, Jan Saahas, Kheti Virasat Mission, Krishnadevaraya Rythu Sankshema Sangam, Krushi, MARI, Navajyothi, Pasumai Tayagam, Prasun, Rashtriya Satyagrah Dal, Sampark, Sarvodaya Youth Organisation, SECURE, VASPS and YUVA
2. GEAC approvals stipulate that field trials be conducted in 80 locations in each zone in the country. In all 1600 BG II field trials are currently taking place in the country.