From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, May 11: The Karnataka unit of Southern Action on Genetic Engineering (SAGE), which undertook a jatha to highlight the threat to farmers’ seeds by corporate seed companies, will conclude its awareness campaign by holding a State-level Seed Savers convention in the city on May 20 and 21.

The two day convention, which will be held at NGO Hall, Cubbon Park, will have deliberations on the threat to Karnataka’s Seed sovereignty and highlight the State’s Seed diversity.

Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda would inaugurate the convention on May 20 while Devinder Sharma, agriculture analyst, will provide a global picture of agriculture to the locals.

SAGE-K Convenor D D Baramagowdra said the multinational seed and manure companies through their marketing technique are becoming rich and pushing the farmers into poverty.

Representative of SAGE-Karnataka V Gayatri told reporters on Friday that there had been continued efforts by the corporate seed companies, particularly foreign companies, to have control over the agricultural practices of the country.

By promoting hybrid seeds, these companies wanted to destroy traditional and indigenous seeds and make farmers dependent on them, she said.

The awareness jatha titled ''Salt Then Seed Now,” covered villages in 14 districts and all major agro-eco-zones in the State.

Meetings were held in over 500 villages to enlighten farmers on the threat posed to native agricultural practices by the vested interest corporate seed companies.

The convention, to be attended by over 500 delegates, will also discuss preservation of seed wealth, Gayatri added.