Delegation of Sarson Satyaghraha holds meeting with VC, Director of Research and scientists of PAU

Deputationists express deep worries about so-called demonstration studies to introduce of GM Mustard in Punjab
Ludhiana, November 28, 2018: Today, a delegation of Sarson Satyaghraha had a meeting with Vice Chancellor, Director of Research and concerned scientists of PAU, Ludhiana. Sarson Satyaghraha delegation comprising of Umendra Dutt from Kheti Virasat Mission, Prof Jagmohan Singh, Sukhdev Bhopal of Kheti Bari ate Kisan Vikas Front, Dr Amar Singh Azad, Nirpinder Singh of Progressive Bee Keeper Association, Rohit Parakh from ASHA Mumbai, Amrita Mangat Ludhiana and Rupsi Garg from KMV Jaitu were deeply worried about the so-called demonstration studies to introduce of GM Mustard in Punjab. Various concerns on scientific footings were raised and discussed.
Many of the concerns such as having safety of GM mustard proven before demonstration and “demonstrations” and “studies” were endorsed by the VC, said Umendra Dutt, adding that VC also bypassed many serious concerns saying, “PAU is not responsible for those decisions taken by GEAC to which he has agreed to.
VC assured that trials of GM mustard demonstration study would not be conducted this year as the sowing season of mustard was over, said Dutt. Kapil Shah presented complete scientific background of GM mustard and where the gaps are.
A memorandum under the signatures of Umendra Dutt (Khetri Virasat Mission), Kapil Shah (Jatan Trust), Prof Jagmohan Singh (AFDR), Dr Amar Singh Azad (Environment Health Group), Sukhdev Singh Bhopal (NHCPM) and Nirpinder Dhaliwal (Progressive Bee Keepers Association) was also presented to PAU vice chancellor Dr BS Dhillon. The deputationists told that they wanted to draw his (VC’s) attention to certain issue which were very important for the future of the agriculture in Punjab.