Ban on seed sale causes agitation

The Statesman, 27th June, 2008

Statesman News Service BHUBANESWAR : Though the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) had not approved the sale of ‘Tulasi 4 Bt’ in the state during their 85th meeting, the brand is being sold and some farmers have already planted them alleged ‘Living Farms,’ the organisation which spearheads anti-genetically-modified movement in the state. Living Farms has apprised GEAC chairman Mr BS Parsheera about the blatant violation of the committee decision. This decision was made because the seed company had violated Rules 1989 of the EPA 1986. The oraganisation demande stern action against the sale. A Bt Cotton consignment worth Rs 21 lakh has been seized at Bhawanipatna and a criminal case has been registered against the erring parties. Similarly raids have been conducted in dealers’ shops at Bolangir in this connection.