Bt Brinjal - Letter to Mr Jairam Ramesh Environment Minister

[Nagarjuna]

Dear Mr. Ramesh,

Understand the the GEAC is considering the commercial release of the
controversial Bt Brinjal in the next few days. Kindly request your
ministry to take a long term view of this impending disaster to our
land and ensure that India doesn't succumb to every technological dump
from others.

For long we have suffered poisoning of our soil as a necessity in the
name of food security, today we know better, our organic cotton and
food are consumed by the 'developed' world whose salesmen knock at our
doors for yet another poisonous product, and yet again in the pretext
of providing us food security. Today, we know better.

You have written about the benefits of GM way back when you were not a
minister in your columns. But, I am aware that you have since becoming
the Ministry in this Department started hearing out the environmental
concerns seriously too. You may be aware that the 'solution' of Bt
Brinjal is not for any 'problem', but, may create more problems
eventually.

Edible GM being permitted in India will also set a precedence for easy
sales to several other nations that don't have the stature of India in
the world.

Understanding Genetic Modifications in nature is important for
science,
facilitating it is fine, but, when it is forced upon nature for
commercial benefit of a few, it is an assault and abuse. It may be
fine
for some, but, is against the spirit of the Indian world view.

I request you to please not permit this technology to take roots in
Indian food chain. This decision of yours can impact several
generations, your intervention could make a positive contribution.

With respect and regards,
Ramasubramanian
Chief, Samanvaya
12th October 2009