Friends,
In the New Delhi press conference, following Jeffrey Smith's book launch [Delhi event], Dr PM Bhargava was also present. The event was jointly organized by Deccan Development Society and Bhartiya Krishak Samaj. It is worth noting what Dr Bhargava, one of world's leading molecular biologist said, and he told the press to quote him: (a) At least 30 rigorous tests for allegenicity and toxicity, etc., are required before genetically engineered crops should even be called "safe;" (b) Ideally, genetically engineered crops should not be allowed in the open environment because biological contamination is irreversible and intensifies over time and space. and (c) the Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee [GEAC], an inter-ministerial body has completely ignored the health aspect and has approved seeds that would contaminate our farmers' saved seeds, contaminate living beings [micro, meso andmacro flora and fauna in the soil, aquatic life
and the wider environment] Most importantly, what he said should be noted by every one: in genetically enegineered food, fibre and feed crops, the particular types of genes that have been inserted causes a plant itself to behave like pesticide, can alter human gut bacteria that helps in digestion. The autopsy of 13 buffalos that died after grazing on Bt cotton fields, showed undigested plant material. According to Dr Bhargava, the bacteria that assists digestion were compromised; the digestive system was upset/turned off.
Jeffrey, a journalist, has done extraordinary work by compiling 65 known health problems in his Genetic Roulette. The Indian version is priced at Rs 475 [roughly under 10 dollars] and it is highly readable book.
Dr Kalam is utterly stupid for having said what he said. That is the mildest term one can use. He should know that genetically engineered seeds neither increase yield, nor prevent crop damage from pests, nor I have come across even one serious study on nutrition [nutritive content] of food crops. It is as yet an imprefect technology and its sole purpose is to contaminate our seeds, contaminate our food, take control over seeds by invoking patent protection.
In the US, genetically engineered foods have been illegally pushed into the market since 1993. It is already showing adverse health impacts there. The key point is this: most super market foods are processed foods. If thoroughly cooked, engineered foods can't be as harmful as uncooked foods. But here in India we eat salad, chutney and pickles on a daily basis...UNCOOKED. It will devastate our population.
It should be banned in India as well as South Asia.
Sincerely
Arun Shrivastava
On Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 9:39 AM, psn.1946
<psn.1946@gmail. com> wrote:
Dr. Abdul Kalam said in Chennai on Sunday: "Genetically modified crops were likely to become more wide-spread in five to ten years and could improve productivity."
Dr. Jeffrey Smith [Director, Institute of Responsible Technology, USA and author of Seeds of Deception & Genetic Roulette] currently touring India said in Bhubaneswar on Sunday:
Healthy Eating starts with NO GMOs.
He documented the Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods. And he destroyed the myth that GM crops bring better yield.
Animals fed GM crops had changes in:
1. Blood clot factors.
2. Food and water consumption.
3. Weight.
4. Liver size.
5. Milk production.
6. Diarrhea
7. Fertility.
www.Responsible Technology.org
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