India fights the new colonialism

27 January 1999

India fights the new colonialism

THE Guardian reports on growing environmental awareness among Indias peasant farmers, which is leading to many demonstrations in the country.

One of the areas of protest is the attempt by biotechnology companies to patent traditional Indian seeds and plants.

The paper reports that farmers from all over India are now forming collective seed banks as a form of non-cooperation.

Protests against patents on seed and indigenous knowledge have twice prevented the Patent Amendment Act from being passed into law.

The introduction of biotechnology is another source of conflict.

The Karnataka State Farmers burned fields planted with genetically-modified crops during Novembers “Cremate Monsanto” action.

• The Guardian 27/01/99 page 4/5 (Society)