The criticism came mainly after the government held informal consultations over opening the use of Monsanto´s seeds in a bid to enhance productivity. [break]
Top officials of the Ministry of Agriculture had even discussed about holding a meeting with environmental and farmers´ rights activists in Kathmandu on September 11. The plan, however, has not been made public so far.
Officials of District Agricultural Development Office said they have no information about the use of Monsanto seeds in the country so far. They also denied any knowledge of fresh initiatives to use the seeds for plantation. They, however, admitted that the government is soon implementing an agricultural project with the support of USAID.
Local activists said they were aware of the new initiatives. They even claimed that Monsanto´s seeds are currently planted in Kavre and Nawalparasi, without due public announcement, as part of a pilot project. “The fresh upcoming project aims to expand the use of Monsanto´s seeds in the country through USAID-supported Nepal Economic, Agriculture and Trade Activity Project,” said Basanta Ranabhat, director of Environmental Services Center (ESC).
Environment and farmers´ rights activists have been protesting the entry of Monsanto´s products mainly because it is the global leader among genetically modified seeds producers. Officials in recent consultations though tried to assuage the activists by telling them that only the hybrid seeds produced by Monsanto would be allowed to enter the country, and not the genetically modified ones.
Activists, however, said they do not believe their words. “We fear it will open inflow of genetically modified seeds in the market,” said Ranabhat, adding that entry of Monsanto´s seeds will go against farmers´ rights and hurt country´s biodiversity.
Speaking at a program, activists said that entry of Monsanto´s seeds will eventually push local varieties to extinction, enable the company to enjoy control over country´s seeds market, make farmers depend on its seeds.
Government officials, meanwhile, suggested the activists to maintain caution while protesting the agro-development projects, as such projects are run with a view to enhance productions and productivity, replace imports and serve larger economic interests.
The activists, nonetheless, announced they will intensify their protests bringing more people into their network.
According to an estimate, Nepal consumes around 70,000 tons of corn every year. However, only half of that quantity is produced locally. Rest is fulfilled through imports. As a result, the trend of establishing corn seed producing companies is on the rise in the country.
Related story
Farmers in Chitwan earn over RS 65 million by selling seeds
