[Reader-list] Move to recommend M S Swaminathan flayed

[T Peter]

Move to recommend M S Swaminathan flayed

Express News ServiceFirst Published : 21 Oct 2010

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation
(KSMTF) has condemned  the decision of the State Government to
recommend the name of agricultural scientist Dr M.S. Swaminathan for
Bharat Ratna.KSMTF president T. Peter in a statement here on Wednesday
called for a proper and critical appraisal of Dr Swaminathan’s
contribution to both agricultural and fisheries sector.


‘’The tragedy of the time is that a man once accused for the great
gene robbery by many and for playing a direct role to ruin the
traditional rights of the fishing community is being recommended for
recognition,’’  said Peter.

 As an agricultural scientist, Swaminathan might have been known  as
the father of Green Revolution in India, but it must be remembered
that it is this very  revolution which has done great harm not only to
agriculture in the country but also to fisheries. Among the reasons
for thousands of farmers committing suicide in this country, the role
of Green Revolution cannot be denied. The agro-chemicals promoted by
the Green Revolution has poisoned not just farmlands but also water
resources. The foodgrains and vegetables consumed by citizens of this
country have been affected by toxic chemicals, the statement said.’

 Kuttanad, which is the main area of rice production in Kerala, uses
maximum pesticides causing irreversible problems for fisheries, the
statement said. Large-scale destruction of fish had taken place in the
region. Scientists have identified the role of chemical pesticides as
one of the causative factors in this, the statement said.