Decree on transgenic products deplored<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Environment Sonny Keraf
\nlamented at Ministry of Agriculture Decree No. 107\/2001 which
\nallows limited sales of transgenic crops in Sulawesi.<\/p>\n
The decree, which was issued on Feb. 6, allows limited release
\nof transgenic cotton Bt DP 5690B in Sulawesi, as quality crop
\nvarieties under the name of Nucotn 35 B or Bolgard.<\/p>\n
\"My office actually opposes the decree because we think that
\nwe have to stick to a precautionary principle. We don't object to
\nthe technology, but nobody can assure the safety of such crops,
\nso we have to be careful,\" he told reporters on Friday.<\/p>\n
Sonny contended that the whole issue of transgenic crops in
\nSulawesi is merely \"trade politics\".<\/p>\n
He was referring to a test by agrochemical firm PT Monagro
\nKimia to plant transgenic Bt cotton.<\/p>\n
PT Monagro is a subsidiary of the world's second largest seed
\nproducing company and third largest agrochemical company, the
\nAmerican-based Monsanto. It has developed genetically engineered
\nproducts like soya beans which resist specific herbicides.<\/p>\n
Despite controversy over the products, Monagro has tried to
\nplant transgenic cotton over the last seven months in Bantaeng
\nand Bulukumba regencies, South Sulawesi.<\/p>\n
The company is now harvesting the crops, planted in an area of
\n500 hectares. The products have been exported and some are
\ndistributed in local markets.<\/p>\n
Bantaeng regent Azikin Solthan said on Sunday that the local
\nadministration will continue developing transgenic cotton
\nplantation in a bid to achieve maximum quality crops, as there is
\nno scientific evidence to suggest that the transgenic process
\nwill harm nature.<\/p>\n
Azikin said that cotton farmers using transgenic plantation
\nmethods received an average of three tons of cotton per hectare
\nfrom a previous crop of only 750 kilograms per hectare.<\/p>\n
\"The farmer can get an additional Rp 2.5 million (US$263) to
\nRp 3 million ($315) per hectare through this system,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Sonny said it was likely that the people were being collided
\nwith his ministry.<\/p>\n
\"It's as if we're blocking people's interests. While we only
\nwant to be careful to avoid problems in the future,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"If the scientists can prove that transgenic products are
\nsafe, good. But in the mean time, we will insist a precautionary
\nprinciple. If there are problems in the future, history will
\nrecord us as the party who did everything to protect the public,\"
\nSonny added.<\/p>\n
Transgenic technology is a way to create higher quality crops
\nand stocks by inserting genes from other species.<\/p>\n
These products are termed Genetically Modified Organisms
\n(GMOs) or biologically engineered products in which genes are
\ninserted to protect the plant from pests or to resist a specific
\nherbicide.<\/p>\n
Despite assurances from scientists that the products are
\nharmless, some doubts have been raised as to the safety of
\ngenetically modified foods and its effect to health and the
\nenvironment.<\/p>\n
Sonny said his office is now giving priority to make the
\nexisting 1999 joint ministerial decree on food and natural
\nproduct safety into a presidential decree or government
\nregulation.<\/p>\n
The decree was jointly issued by the Ministry of Agriculture,
\nthe Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Food and Horticulture
\nand the Ministry of Health.<\/p>\n
There has been some criticism over the decree as being
\nincomprehensive, citing its failure to include labeling or an
\nenvironmental impact assessment.<\/p>\n
\"Hopefully around April or May, the new decree will be
\nissued,\" Sonny said. (hdn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/decree-on-transgenic-products-deplored-1447893297",
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