Let business lose
The first
International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development, released on April 15, 2008, believes there
should be a shift in agriculture to a 'multifunctional' style that recognizes the ecosystem service values as well as cultural values of agriculture. It
suggests small-scale farming and agriculture free of genetic manipulation can be the answer to soaring food prices, hunger, social inequities and
environmental disasters. The report was released at an intergovernmental plenary in Johannesburg, South Africa. "The
iaastd is unique in the history of agricultural science assessments," said the executive summary, "in that it assesses both
formal science and technology and local and traditional knowledge".
The release marked the end of a process that began in August 2002, when the World Bank and the Food and Agricultural Organization
announced a global consultative process to determine whether such an assessment was needed.
The assessment said
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| Smeared with glue, this yellow board attracts and kills pests |
Agricultural policy worldwide has emphasized increasing yields through "improved germplasm, and increased water, agrochemicals and
mechanisation" that has had negative consequences... Environmental sustainability in agriculture, on the other hand, lies in small farms, since
such farms have "high water, nutrient and energy use efficiencies".
The assessment pointed out
GM crops are highly controversial and will not play a major role in addressing the challenges of climate change, loss of biodiversity, hunger and
poverty.
What the western world said
In January, while the assessment was in process,
Nature pointed out, "Insiders agree the current draft is decidedly lukewarm about
technology's potential in developing-world agriculture."
Science was clearer "Industry scientists...believe the assessment was hijacked
by participants who oppose genetically modified crops."
Syngenta walked out of the assessment process, disagreeing over its conclusion on
gm crops. "We do not believe
that the currentreport adequately reflects the role modern science and technology...have played in supporting agriculture," said Mdard
Schoenmaeckers, head of media relations, Syngenta. Governments of
usa, Canada and Australia rejected the assessment.
Your articles are highly inspirational.I am an entomologist. Currently, my department is working on alternative and cheap methods of pest
management. We are also planning to run a research and extension project in some villages of Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh.
Sarbasis Chakravorty
The editorial reminded me of an incident in Kerala seven years ago. The agriculture ministry was trying to get a huge network in place for
spraying the pesticide dicofol to contain mite attack on coconut trees. Little did I know the hidden agenda was to get me, an agricultural scientist,
to endorse the plan. I objected. The agriculture minister got dicofol endorsed by another 'scientist'. The Kerala High Court put its foot down on
dicofol use.
K P Prabhakaran Nair |
