Bangladesh Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury has set an example by politically challenging extreme environmentalists and private-enterprise-hating ideologues, which is in contrast to the arm-twisting of Greenpeace by the Indian government.
Last week, at an event in Dhaka, Chowdhury called those protesting against Bt brinjal cultivation as either “devious,” or “ignorant.”
“The words may be harsh but I’ve said this with responsibility,” he was quoted as saying in the media.
The Modi government has cut off foreign money supply to Greenpeace calling it a threat to India’s economic security, primarily for its role in fomenting tribal opposition to coal mines in forested areas.
Greenpeace is opposed to nuclear energy and genetically modification (GM) crop technology. But it has no realistic solution for India’s energy or food security needs. Depending on imported oil or renewables like solar energy is not an option. Nor is organic farming.
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Instead of calling Greenpeace’s bluff with arguments, high handedness has allowed the NGO to style itself as the victim of the government’s intolerance to dissent.
Further embellishment has been provided by the government’s malicious action against the Ford Foundation, which has been a force for good and is fondly remembered for its role in the Green Revolution.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Bangla minister’s stand on GM crop holds lessons for India
