As the discussion about the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops escalates, farmers from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have demanded that government authorities utilise the existing scientific technologies in agriculture. Their call underlines the growing importance of biotechnology in agriculture and its extensive scope for transforming farming in India, especially in the Telangana state of India.
At a press briefing conducted at the Press Club at Somajiguda on Tuesday, sponsored by the National Farmers Empowerment Initiative (NFEI), farmers lamented the lack of modern agricultural biotechnology available to them. They claimed that innovation goes beyond an absolute necessity – it is also a basic entitlement because it is essential for increased productivity, food security, and for earning a decent living. With everything from climate change to pest problems and deteriorating soil health, agriculture faces an endless list of problems in agriculture in Telangana and all over the country. Those farmers are convinced that policies dictated by science are the foundation of sustainable development.
Farmers brought up their disappointment in the slow implementation of new agricultural practices. They pointed out, “What is preventing us from using biotechnology like America, Brazil, and Argentina?” They noted that Indian farmers are equally capable, and withholding such technology places them at a disadvantage in the international arena.
“Everything is changing with technology. Biotechnology is the future of agriculture.” Vellangan Reddy, a farmer from Gunturpally village, said, “Farmers will always suffer if they are not in the forefront of prosperity.” He added, “Biotechnology in agriculture has proved its success in India with the introduction of Bt cotton.” Designed over 20 years ago, Bt cotton has changed the agricultural landscape in India by providing higher yields, decreasing the use of chemical pesticides, and thus increasing the earnings of poor farmers. The delay in adoption of these technologies for other crops is wantonly sad.
To provide further support for this view, Dyavari Narayana, a farmer from Rudraram village in Vikarabad district, talked about the intimidating challenges posed towards Indian farmers. He mentioned that farmers growing pulses, millets, and high-yielding Bt cotton face adverse agricultural conditions due to unfriendly weather, regular pest attacks, and decreased productivity. He mentioned that other nations are using biotechnology in agriculture for alleviation of such problems; Indian farmers have to be dependent on archaic methods because of policies.
Dr. Venkatram Vasantavada, Director of the Alliance for Agri Innovation, highlighted the need for the adoption of evidence-based policy to address farmers’ concerns. “The science is clear – the adoption of biotech crops in several nations has been accompanied by higher profits for farmers, increased production, and better preservation of nature. India hopes for food security and growth in agriculture; in that case, the country should not ignore the technology,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the ecological and economic advantages of biotechnology in agriculture. They described how genetically engineered crops can lessen the dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which subsequently decreases the costs of inputs and environmental harm. Moreover, biotech advancements can augment soil health, drought resistance, and water conservation, all of which are critically important for the Future of Agriculture.
Agriculture in Telangana, which is a major contributor economically for the state, is at a crossroads. Farmers in the region are adopting new methods of farming to increase their productivity while also ensuring sustainability. Biotechnology has the potential to resolve the key issues of low agricultural productivity, climatic changes, and high cost of production. In the absence of policy initiatives, however, there would be no support for these innovations, and their possibilities would indeed be lost.
The calls for the adoption of biotechnology, as with all things, are controversial, particularly due to fears about safety, environmental issues, and market monopolisation. Nevertheless, agricultural specialists argue that biotechnology safety and usefulness have been proven through ample research and practice on the ground. Moreover, experts highlight that dependency on myths or fear of change values other than logic can halt innovations within Indian agriculture, which could be regrettable.
During a media interaction, the farmers pushed the government to create an atmosphere where a scientific attitude may be welcome, instead of hostile. They insisted on the development of new scientific regulatory policies which enable the use of new technologies in agriculture while restricting compliance to safety and quality transparency provisions.
Mr. Reddy commented, “We are not demanding anything too far-fetched. We just want to be given the same opportunities other farmers have. In order for us to compete in international markets and support our families, we have to use modern tools and technologies.”
Experts believe that in order for India to achieve food security in the future, action must be taken to ensure biotechnology in agriculture is accepted and used. Not only farmers, but everybody would gain since greater productivity with less use of chemicals would strengthen food supply systems and increase agricultural prosperity, which is beneficial to the economy.
The practices of agriculture in Telangana are changing, and like farmers across India, their sentiments too are similar. The future of agriculture is undoubtedly driven by modernisation, and biotechnology can ensure that farmers practice sustainable and profitable agriculture. The only question left is, will the farming community’s pleas be heard, and will policies be enacted that help empower the agricultural sector with advanced technologies?