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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
RSS-affiliated farmers' body calls for cancellation of permission to test GM maize at Punjab Agricultural University
Terming it a 'cancer-causing farming', Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), the farmer's wing of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), on Friday (July 18, 2025) demanded the cancellation of the permission granted to test Genetically Modified (GM) maize in Punjab Agricultural University's fields. Earlier this week, The Hindu had published that the field trials of two kinds of GM maize are expected to begin in the ongoing kharif (summer) season at Punjab Agricultural University, days after the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the country's top regulator for the sector, gave the approval for the trials upon receiving consent from the Punjab government. The decision was taken last month by the committee, which recommended a proposal by Bayer Crop Science Limited for the conduct of confined field trials on herbicide-tolerant transgenic maize, and insect-resistant transgenic maize at the Ludhiana-based university for this year's kharif season. Objecting to the plan, a delegation headed by BKS Punjab chief Ravinder Singh Dhillon submitted a memorandum to the Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University. Possibility of adulteration The organisation said that the largest producer of GM corn is the U.S., which uses about 80% of this crop for animal feed and uses 20% to make ethanol, plastic, etc. 'But in India, less amount of ethanol is produced from corn and maximum is used as human food. There is a strong possibility of adulteration at all places from farming to purchasing, processing, market, food, etc. We want organic, not GM,' the BKS delegation said in the memorandum. The farmers' body also warned that the GM corn is being promoted as pest-resistant and weed-resistant. 'BT cotton, a genetically modified pest resistant plant cotton, was brought to India and insects started eating it soon after its introduction. Later, more toxic BT-2 was introduced which witnessed the same fate as white flies and sucking insects started destroying the cotton crop. It is clear from this that the use of pest-resistant GM cotton turned out to be uncertain, unsafe and full of adverse effects. Hence, the way of giving permission to test GM corn is also an attempt to bring the failed experiment back on the farmers,' it added. Weed-resistant experiments BKS stated that after the failure of GM cotton in the name of pest-resistance, now weed-resistant experiments are being secretly spread among the farmers. They added that there is a danger due to this of destruction of crops and biodiversity, as well as a vicious cycle of spreading cancer in farmers' families for free through the chemicals used in it. 'On one hand, entire Punjab is suffering from cancer due to the ill effects of chemical farming, and is struggling to get rid of addiction. In such a situation, why is Punjab Agricultural University trying to promote the cause of cancer on the same land? This is beyond comprehension. When the people of Punjab have immersed themselves in the anti-drug movement, then the attempt to make the soil, water and air of Punjab more poisonous and addictive through GM is highly condemnable,' the organisation stated.
Hans India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Cloud of uncertainty over Indo-US BTA seems to be lifting
After weeks of uncertainty and doubts over the US-India trade deal, it seems like it may finally be signed shortly. It may be recalled that the 90-day pause for the tariffs that US President Donald Trump imposed nears its end. He announced the pause on April 9. Washington imposed a 26 per cent tariff rate on Indian made goods. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is quoted as saying, 'We are in the middle—more than the middle—of a trade negotiation. I hope to bring it to a conclusion, but I can't guarantee it as there is another party involved.' He hinted that this could be done 'over the next few days.' Incidentally, the US has corroborated this. Saying that Trump shares a 'very good relationship' with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this much during a press briefing: 'Yes, the President said that last week [that the US and India are very close to a trade deal], and it remains true. I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you'll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India.' Hopefully, the optimism expressed by Delhi and Washington materialises. For, quite apart from the knotty bilateral issues, there is the matter of Trump taking credit for stopping the hostilities between India and Pakistan in May. The Indian government didn't like that; this also apparently resulted in the hardened stance by our negotiators. Besides, many Sangh Parivar-affiliated bodies like the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) and Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) were opposed to certain aspects of the India-United States bilateral trade agreement (BTA). These aspects are related to genetically modified (GM) crops, dairy products, relaxed regulations on medical devices, and data localisation. It looks like the government, while addressing the genuine concerns of the BKS-SJM types, has ignored their ideologically motivated demands. This is quite appropriate for policy formulation. The proposed US-India BTA holds significant potential to transform the economic and strategic landscape between the two nations. Beyond the immediate goal of boosting bilateral trade volumes, the BTA can catalyse deepening economic integration and fostering long-term cooperation in key sectors. Increased market access and reduced trade barriers under the agreement would likely encourage higher US investments in India, particularly in areas like manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and services. Furthermore, the BTA could facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies, especially in critical domains like defence, information technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. This technology sharing would not only strengthen India's domestic capabilities but also enhance its global competitiveness. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries could particularly benefit from easier market entry and reduced regulatory hurdles, thereby promoting inclusive economic growth. On a strategic level, the BTA can consolidate the growing US-India partnership, which is increasingly seen as vital for maintaining balance and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, enhanced economic ties will complement the existing defence and security cooperation, reinforcing the shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based international order. Ultimately, the BTA has the potential to evolve from a mere trade pact into a cornerstone of a robust, multifaceted US-India alliance that spans commerce, technology, investment, and geopolitics.
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Business Standard
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Sangh bodies sceptical of India-United States bilateral trade agreement
The Sangh Parivar has also pointed to the efforts by US Senator Lindsey Graham to move a Bill that proposes steep economic penalties on India Archis Mohan Sanjeeb Mukherjee New Delhi Listen to This Article Affiliates of the Sangh Parivar have said the India-United States bilateral trade agreement (BTA) is unlikely to happen if America continues to be 'stubborn' about securing market access for genetically modified (GM) crops, dairy products, relaxed regulations on medical devices, and data localisation. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) and Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) have flagged the issue that concessions to the United States (US) in the agriculture sector, including dairy products, will have ramifications for the country's food security. The parivar has pointed to the efforts by US Senator Lindsey Graham to move a Bill that envisages steep economic penalties
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
105 qt sub-standard soybean seized from Ujjain market
Ujjain: Over 100 quintal of sub-standard soyabean was seized from shop number 10 in Ujjain agricultural produce market on Thursday. On Thursday afternoon, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Ujjain district, informed the administration about the seed mafia and notified collector Roshan Kumar Singh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ADM Pratham Kaushik, along with deputy director of agriculture Umed Singh Tomar and other officials from the agriculture department, then visited shop number 10 in the market. According to deputy director of agriculture Tomar, Kuber Seeds Biotech, operated by Parvatsingh Badwai, was found to be selling sub-standard seeds. The seeds given to farmers Mukesh and Balu, along with 140 bags of 50 kg each and 70 open bags weighing 105 quintal, were seized. The seeds were sealed for being sold without a licence and in sub-standard condition. Samples of the seeds have been sent to the lab for testing. SI Yadavendra Parihar of Chimanganj police station said that a case was registered under the Essential Commodities Act and the Seed Act based on the application by Subodh Pathak, Senior Agricultural Extension Officer, and the investigation is underway.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
RSS's farmers body criticises NITI Aayog for its suggestion of lowering tariffs on agriculture imports
New Delhi The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Saturday (June 14, 2025)condemned the NITI Aayog's recommendation under the proposed Indo-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in which the think tank has suggested that India should lower tariffs on the import of agricultural produce such as genetically modified crops (soybean and corn) from the U.S. In a recent paper, NITI Aayog had also suggested negating tariffs on the poultry and dairy sectors. Currently, GM food crops are under judicial scrutiny in India and, hence, banned at present. Terming the recommendations as a risky step for 70 crore Indians dependent on agriculture, the All India General Secretary of BKS, Mohini Mohan Mishra, asked why NITI Aayog was trying to get involved in the tariff battle with America at a time when the Union government is looking at self-reliance in the production of oilseeds. '.... reducing the import duty of edible oil is a contradictory decision in itself,' said Mr. Mishra. He added that the NITI Aayog should reconsider their recommendations and prepare to move forward on the basis of the self-reliance policy of the government. Questioning the report's suggestions in favour of import of GM soy and maize, Mr. Mishra said that it is well-known that in America the crops are used as fodder for livestock. 'If the government's policy supports us in pulses and oilseeds, then the farmers of the country are ready to make India self-reliant. In such a situation, it is not good for India if the think tank bows down to someone's pressure. If the NITI Aayog does not trust the capability of the country, then the government must seriously reflect on the working of the organisation,' added the BKS general secretary.
