TOI bats for Monsanto

Was I amazed that the news outlet that generally presents a rosy picture of "India" was prophecising a dark future when I read the following headline?

 

By 2020, India a 'chronic' importer of foodgrain?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/By_2020_India_a_chronic_importer_of_foodgrain/articleshow/3161680.cms

 

Well almost, until the smoking Chekhov's* gun appeared in the fine prints.

 

A yet-to-be-released report of ASSOCHAM has warned that India could become a chronic net importer of rice and wheat by 2020 if the trends are not reversed.

 

Ah the ASSOCHAM (stands for Chamber of Ass-os).. werent these guys the same people who said (my emphasis)

 

http://www.monsanto.com/biotech-gmo/asp/biotech_news.asp?newsid=nr20070711&yr=2007

 

With adoption of BT cotton technology, farmers engaged in cotton cultivation earned additional income of Rs. 7,039 crores in 2006¹; saved Rs. 1,600 on pesticides use in their one hectare of farm land compared to farmers growing conventional cotton hybrids; and had higher access to social services important for family health and welfare, according to two studies on "BT Cotton Farming in India" released today by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

 

Yeah right, and because of the improved conditions and more money they weren't happy with life anymore and started commiting suicides? Yes?

(my emphasis)

 

In the year 2007, 1095 farmers committed suicide in Vidharbha, that is one in every eight hours.  

Vidharbha in Maharashtra has emerged as an epicenter of farmers suicides over the last decade  

Vidharbha is also the region where Monsanto sells most of its genetically engineered Bt. Cotton.

http://www.navdanya.org/articles/articles2.htm

 

also see: http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/12/stories/2007111253911100.htm

 

 

So you see, this is just the ground work to convince people to eventually support more GMO/BioTech enhanced agriculture.  Nothing wrong with that, unless you realize that its only going to work for them not us!  For, we will either pay with our lives or thru our noses.

 

 

*"If in the first act you have hung a pistol on the wall, then in the following one it should be fired. Otherwise don't put it there."