Bangalore: Farmers, NGOs Oppose Bt Brinjal, Heckle Jairam Ramesh
IANS
Bangalore, Feb 6: Hundreds of farmers, several civil societies, including non-government organisations (NGOs) and consumers, Saturday heckled union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh while opposing introduction of genetically modified Bt Brinjal in the country.
Though Ramesh was cool and composed throughout the four-hour long brain-storming session at the seventh public hearing here over the transgenic brinjal, he lost his temper on a couple of occasions when he was accused of being an agent of multinational firm Monsanto and in favour of the genetic vegetable.
As in the previous public hearings held in six cities across the country over a month, the last consultative meeting also witnessed heated exchanges, frayed tempers, catcalls, allegations and counter-allegations between supporters and opponents of Bt Brinjal.
Minutes after the minister made introductory remarks and explained how the proceedings would be conducted, a majority of farmers and NGO representatives were up in arms against those who were explaining the benefits of Bt Brinjal.
"This is not a parliament where anyone can stand up and raise voice or disrupt when others are speaking. It appears our MPs (members of Parliament) have become infectious. I expected better behaviour and conduct," Ramesh told about 1,000 participants, including farmers, scientists, doctors, civil society members, students and some state government officials.
As a result, instead of moderating the public hearing from the dais, Ramesh had to intervene many a time and appeal to a section of the audience, which was shouting down any speaker who was in support of the transgenic brinjal.
On one occasion, Ramesh had even apologised on behalf of scientist who berated farmers by saying "it was ironical those who are opposing Bt Brinjal had no qualms in using mobiles, colour televisions, washing machines and other western goods".
"I strongly oppose such an observation, which is uncalled for. Our scientists are arrogant and NGOs are anti-democratic. They have to be humble and accommodative. I apologise to the entire gathering for the derogatory remarks made," Ramesh said to restore order amid noisy scenes and commotion.
The minister also sought an apology from an NGO representative for having accused him of being an agent of an MNC. When the latter declined to withdraw the charge, Ramesh refused to listen to him.
Several male and a few women farmers told Ramesh that a genetic brinjal would not only damage their soil and crops, but also pose a health hazards in the absence of fool-proof trials and data on its safety.
"We have been growing native and organic brinjal over the centuries and in so many varieties. Where is the need to go for a biotech variety, which has been opposed in several countries? Why are scientists and foreign or Indian seed firms hell bent on introducing it? What is their motive?" asked Kodihalli Chandrashekar, president of Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha (farmers association).
Former prime minister H.D. Deva Gowda made a surprise appearance at the consultative meeting in the last hour and was seated next to Ramesh on the dais.
He told the minister to protect the interests of farmers and prevent their exploitation by multinational seed firms.
Litterateur U.R. Ananthamurthy also spoke on the occasion and opposed the introduction of Bt Brinjal.