Candidates asked to show their commitment to GM-Free safe food and health security

Chandigarh, April 8, 2014: Chandigarh Chapter of Coalition for a Genetically Modified Crops(GM)-Free India urged upon the candidates from Chandigarh for the  Lok Sabha elections to make a clear commitment for ensuring GM-Free Safe Food to the people of the city. Volunteers of the Coalition asked candidates from AAP, BJP and INC to oppose entry of Genetically Modified Food in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Citizens opposing GM-Food and Crops met the candidates of the three parties and asked them to sign a petition addressed to Chief Minister of Punjab urging him to not permit the holding of open field trials of GM Crops in Punjab. A memorandum citing adverse impacts of these crops on health and the environment was submitted to the candidates. They were approached to support this cause, which the candidates agreed to in principle. BJP candidate Kirron Kher, while supporting these concerns, also agreed that she would write a communication in this regard to the Chief Minister of Punjab urging him to not permit the same. “The campaign will be intensified to call voters to vote only for those who will say no to GM food” said Raman Mann, a campaigner from the city,   
The debate around GM crops has only become shriller around elections; the reason being political parties have taken notice of the issue due to the growing opposition by people from across the country, especially the farmer unions. It is also becoming evident to political parties that farmers do not want this risky technology, and whichever party favours private interests over those of the farmer will lose the farmers’ votes.
The Coalition for a GM Free India recognises the limitations in their manifestos but we do urge that any political party that comes to power will abide by independent science and democratic voices, and take a cautious approach to risky GMOs. This will ensure the Indian voter access to safe food and sustainable farming.