Call to ban usage of terminated seeds

The Tamil Nadu chapter of South Against Genetic Engineering (SAGE) has called for stringent measures to prevent usage of terminated seeds in the country. SAGE has urged both the Centre and state government to ban usage of terminated seeds and thereby save the country's bio-diversity.

Talking to mediapersons here, Oswald Qunital, joint convener, SAGE, said sowing of the seeds would hit the country's agriculture sector badly. "The usage of terminated seeds may cause extensive damages to other crops in the nearby areas," he pointed out.

He also urged the government not to give in to the pressure exerted by the United States in this regard. M Revathi, member, steering committee, said awareness campaigns should be launched all over India.

"State-level steering committees with representations from various organisations, have been formed for this purpose. The committees would also include academicians, activists and industrialists," Revathi added.

In all, around 75 organisations from Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have joined hands with SAGE to create awareness about genetic engineering in South India, according to K Suresh Kanna, a committee member.