A section of farmers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have called for a science-based approach to policymaking, asserting their right to choose advanced agricultural technologies. Farmers belonging to the National Farmers Empowerment Initiative has observed that innovation is key to increasing agricultural productivity, securing livelihoods, and ensuring the country’s food security.
“The issue extends beyond science. It is also about our right to choose the best available technology,” a senior leader of the initiative said.
“Why Indian farmers should be denied the same tools that their counterparts in countries like the US, Brazil and Argentina have long been using,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Technology has always driven progress. Just as we moved from 3G to 4G to 5G in telecom and are now looking at 6G, agriculture must also evolve. Biotechnology is the future, and farmers should not be held back,” Vellangan Reddy, a cotton farmer from Gunturpally village in Telangana, said.
Stuck with misinformation
“Two decades ago, the introduction of Bt cotton revolutionised cotton farming in India, reducing pesticide use and increasing yields. Today, Indian cotton farmers stand as proof of how biotechnology can transform lives,” he said.
“We embraced Bt cotton, and it changed everything for us. Now, we want the same benefits for other crops. But instead of progress, we are stuck in a cycle of misinformation and political delays,” he added.
Venkatram Vasantavada, Director of Alliance for Agri Innovation, said there was a need for evidence-based policymaking.
“The science is clear, biotechnologically enhanced crops have been safely adopted in many countries, leading to significant improvements in yield, farmer incomes, and environmental sustainability. India cannot afford to ignore this technology if we are serious about ensuring food security and improving agricultural productivity,” he said.