PRESENTATIONS MADE:

Dr G V Ramanjaneyulu on Bt brinjal EE-1 event in India: http://indiagminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Dr-Ramoo-Bt-brinjal-aug27-final.pdf

Farida Akhter on Bt brinjal in Bangladesh: http://indiagminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Bt-brinjal-in-Bangladesh-Farida-Akhter-final.pdf

Kavitha Kuruganti, on Bt brinjal Event 142: http://indiagminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Bt-brinjal-Event-142-kavitha-kuruganti-Aug27-final.pdf

“Bt brinjal – truth unveiled” – a short film by Ubinig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC0VTYPPkiU&app=desktop

SPEAKER PROFILES:

Dr. G.V. Ramanjaneyulu (Ramoo) obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension from the Indian Agricultural Research Institution in New Delhi. After working as an Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientist for a few years, he has been the Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture in Secunderabad since 2003. The Centre works with communities and with various partners, in the states of AP, Telangana, Maharashtra and Punjab and with the governments of A.P., Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkand to help farmers establish ecologically and economically sustainable models of agriculture and organize themselves to improve their livelihoods and realize their rights.

Kavitha Kuruganti: She is a social activist working in the field of farmers’ rights and sustainable farm livelihoods for 27 years now. She has served as a Member in Government of India’s Task Force on Organic and Non-Chemical Farming, in addition to other such roles. She is the lead petitioner in a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court of India on the issue of bannable pesticides. She is one of the national convenors of ASHA (Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture), and is also associated with other national networks like MAKAAM (Mahila Kisan Adhikaar Manch).

Farida Akhter: Farida Akhter is the Executive Director of UBINIG (Policy Research for Development Alternative), and one of the key organisers of Nayakrishi Andolon (New Agricultural Movement). She is the founder of Narigrantha Prabartana (Women’s Resource Centre) , Organiser of Coalition Against Bt. Brinjal in Bangladesh, a leading member of United Women’s Front, and Convenor of Women’s Alliance against Tobacco (TABINAJ). Farida Akhter is a women’s movement activist and a leading exponent of biodiversity-based ecological agriculture.  Farida Akhter is intensively involved in the works of Nayakrishi Andolon. The biodiversity and genetic resources is a major area of work of Nayakrishi. The farming practice is based on ten principles adopted by farmers themselves that includes no use of pesticides, preservation of local variety seeds, and conservation of plant, bird and animal genetic resources. Over 300,000 farming families in 19 districts are involved in Nayakrishi Andolon.

The Webinar will be moderated by SREEDEVI LAKSHMIKUTTY associated with ASHA (Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture). Devi is also associated with Save Our Rice Campaign and Bio Basics.

SOME RESOURCES

1. Independent analyses of Bt Brinjal EE-1 biosafety dossier: http://indiagminfo.org/bt-brinjal/biosafety-analyses-feedback/
2. Bt Brinjal in India – Is it Needed, Is it Safe?: http://indiagminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Bt-Brinjal-in-India-lack-of-safety-and-concerns.pdf
3. Government of India’s indefinite moratorium decision note on Bt brinjal on 9th February 2010: https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/a-moratorium-on-the-release-of-bt-brinjal/264267
4. Biosafety dossier of Bt brinjal EE-1 event: http://moef.gov.in/biosafety-data-on-bt-brinjal/
5. Regulators’ websites, Government of India: http://moef.gov.in/project-approvals/geac-clearances/information-for-the-applicant/ ; http://geacindia.gov.in/