December 7, 2014

Pakistan Kissan Mazdoor Tehreek (PKMT) rejects the Draft Seed Bill 2014 that was tabled on August 18, 2014 by the Federal Minster for National Food Security and Research. The Minister has stated that a more modern seed law is required for modern realities in the country and the laws that are present at the moment are backward.

It would not be incorrect to state that the new seeds that are being introduced in the market are ‘owned’ by mega seed and biotechnology corporations, and seed laws are being promoted to protect their profits. Corporations like Monsanto and Syngenta have captured the global seed market that is worth millions of dollars. Only Monsanto controls 87% of the genetic seed market. PKMT fully believes that the draft Seed Act 2014 is being pushed to protect the interests of these corporations so that they have absolute freedom to sell genetically engineered (GE) seeds, crops and foods in Pakistan. It is worth noting that Europe is vehemently opposing GE products. Prince Charles of England has stated that GE crops are the biggest environmental disaster of all times. Countries like Germany and France that are at the height of technological development refuse to produce and consume GE crops and foods.

China has also refused production of GE rice and corn. Russian Prime Minister has clearly stated that they will not allow GE crops in Russian. It is clear that the biggest production of GE crops and products are in the US and that is of course because they have the biggest biotechnology firms such as Monsanto. These corporations with full cooperation of the US government have forced US citizens to eat GE foods. There are 64 countries globally that have laws for labeling genetic foods but not in the US. The GE product market is suffering a setback in the industrialized world and hence seed corporations are increasing their attention on third world countries like Pakistan. New seed laws are being pushed in many countries in Asia and Africa. Various US government agencies such as US AID and USDA are also pushing governments to adopt laws that provide market access to their seed corporations. According to them, adoption of new GE seeds would allow combating hunger and food security for the increasing population, as well increase the economic well-being of nations. It is clear that the government of Pakistan is also following the advice promoted by the US.

PKMT clearly considers that the draft Seed Act 2014 as an imperialist imposition. We can only strengthen our economy by adopting principles of sovereignty. If we want to increase food production for the Pakistani people, provide decent livelihood for our workers, than the first action is equitable distribution of land in the country. No doubt, based on sustainable development and the seed sovereignty as a principle the use and multiplication of traditional seeds is the best course of action.

PKMT demands that the government of Pakistan, instead of safe guarding the interests and profits of the mega transnational corporate seed sector it should protect and promote the rights of small and landless farmers that constitute the back bone of our economy.