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Journal Article

Citation

Kloor K. Issues Sci. Technol. 2014; 30(2): 65-70.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Opponents of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in India claim that the technology has resulted in the suicides of hundreds of thousands of farmers. They appear to be wrong, and the real reasons why Indian farmers take their own lives remain largely unaddressed. Lack of mechanization and irrigation are two key shortcomings. Many Indian farmers depend on erratic monsoonal rains. Small-holder Indian farmers , those with less than two hectares of land, are most vulnerable to the vagaries of weather and climate change. They also have little access to institutional credit. Studies from south India have shown that the most common contributors to suicide are a combination of social problems, such as interpersonal and family problems and financial difficulties, and pre-existing mental illness. Blaming farmer suicides on Bt cotton thus seems not only to be incorrect but also a distraction from the real causes of a tragic problem.


Language: en

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