Citing
concerns for human health and the environment, the government of India
has decided not to introduce genetically modified brinjals (eggplant),
the nation’s third most important crop after potatoes and tomatoes.
India’s
Environment and Forestry Minister Jairam Ramesh stated that although
the measure was proposed as a way to stabilize food prices and ease
impacts of climate change such as declining yields, concerns expressed
by environmentalists and farmers as well as the potential hazard to
public health made it too large a risk.
Research thus far has
shown that besides human health risks, genetically modified crops also
require increased application of pesticides and have not been noted to
produce higher crop yields.
We thank Your Excellency and India
for your careful consideration and wish to safeguard human health.
Wishing that organic plant-based farming may continue to flourish in
India, providing wholesome nourishment for all.
In a March
2009 videoconference in Mexico, Supreme Master Ching Hai cautioned
about the effects of such practices as genetic modification, offering
an alternative that also addresses climate change.
Supreme Master Ching Hai: Genetically
modified food is not very good for health. We don't need that. If we
don't raise animals, we have enough food, extra for everybody.
Even
to feed freely to the hungry people, free of charge. And still have 1
billion portions left over. And organic farming yields plentiful food
and, at the same time, absorbs 40% of CO2.
So, organic farming
is good for everything and good for us, and good for the farmers to
have a new job, good for our health, good for the planet.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052748704140104575058383515565108.html http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1964217,00.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g3zjL-uMZ2_dQ6fh0YeAm7YMPMlQD9DT2D205 http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61F0RS20100216 http://www.namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php.id=110107