Efforts to introduce genetically modified seed criticised
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Imported seed to devastate farmers, agriculture sector
Using seeds of deception amounts to suicide
The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Wednesday criticised renewed determination by the government to introduce genetically modified seed which has proved to be harmful for human health, livestock and environment.
Large scale introduction of the seed through law without detailed study into its pros and cons may result devastate agriculture sector, it said.
Policymakers should not impose their will on farmers which will benefit an influential multination’s on the cost of agriculture sector, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.
The US corporation producing modified seed varieties claim that it’s pest resistant and require lesser inputs which has been proved wrong by a good number of independent organisation, agriculturists, researchers and scientists, he added.
Forcing farmers to use modified seed against their will is exploitation, violation of human rights and abusing their interests as well as wisdom.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that the crop based on genetically modified seed needs additional pesticides made by the same company which pollutes environment and water table.
The crop soon develop resistance to pests, bugs etc. forcing farmers to become regular buyers of the products of the US company selling seed and pesticides worth six billion dollars per annum, he informed.
Russia has banned import of all agricultural produce based of such seed, many developed countries including Germany and France have banned it due to health and environment concerns, while the cancer research institute of the World Bank has dubbed it as a cause of cancer.
Other scientists and researchers have found seeds of deception linked to heart, liver, abdomen and other serious diseases.
Getting this weapon of destruction is nothing short of a suicide therefore Senate should not approve the amended Seed Act 2014 recently passed by the National Assembly, said Dr. Mughal.
