Toxics Link Public Lecture on GM Food: Is India Ready?
Toxics Link’s Environment & Health Public Lecture Series
GM Food : Is India Ready?
Film screening followed by panel discussion
The genetically modified food controversy is a dispute over the relative advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified (GM) food crops and other uses of genetically-modified organisms in food production. The dispute involves biotechnology companies, governmental regulators, non-governmental organizations and scientists. Right to choose safe food is a fundamental right of consumers in a democracy. However, the onslaught of GM crops has been robbing the people of their right to choose. In fact according to some experts the production and promotion of Genetically Modified foods as an act of Bio-terrorism.
Safety is a major issue in this controversy. Adverse health effects coupled with effects of pest and herbicide-resistant crops on ecosystems and their impacts on biodiversity are controversies that mark the entire GM food debate today. The risk and effects of horizontal gene transfer have also been cited as concerns, with the possibility that genes might spread from modified crops to wild relatives.
India is at crossroads. But are we ready?
Screening: Poison on the Platter, Directed by Ajay Kabchan, Presented by Mahesh Bhatt, Duration: 30 mins
Panelist:
- Mr. Rajesh Krishnan of Greenpeace India
- Dr. P. Ramasundaram, Principal Scientist, National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research
- One more speaker is yet to confirm
Date: 11th Dec 2009, Friday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 1, India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (In collaboration with India International Centre)
For further information, please contact:
Suparna Dutta: suparna@toxicslink.org
Nitin Jain: nitin@toxicslink.org
Email: info@toxicslink.org
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