The Shetkari Sanghatana (SS), the apex body of farmers in Maharashtra, will join hands with farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to launch an agitation to sow GM seeds starting from June 12.

SS President Anil Ghanwat said that farmers in these States will defy the government ban on GM crops and sow GM seeds. “To get technology freedom, farmers should openly sow GM seeds instead of doing it secretly,” said Ghanwat, adding that the current Kharif season will be celebrated as ‘Technology Freedom Season’. Farmers will sow GM seeds of cotton, corn, rice, mustard, soya, and brinjal, said Ghanwat, announcing that farmers are ready to face action for breaking the law.

He added that even though the government has banned HTBT cotton, farmers are cultivating the variety across India. “HTBT cotton seeds are sold in the black market and impure and substandard seeds are sold to farmers. Farmers can’t raise their voice against this fraud. Farmers will not be swindled if the government gives official nod to cultivate HTBT cotton,” said Ghanwat.

SS had been demanding that the government lift the ban on GM crop cultivation saying that farmers are suffering because of the ban. According to SS, freedom of technology will enable farmers to compete in the world market, which, in turn, will help improve their socio-economic status.

Farmers in Maharashtra under the the SS banner have already launched the agitation to cultivate GM crops. The SS has submitted a memorandum to the Maharashtra government demanding that the State ask the Centre to take steps for lifting the ban on GM crops.

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