Saving themselves from market techniques and keeping their own seeds for the next crop is not a small thing for farmers. The problem was not confined only to Telangana and India, even farmers in Germany have been facing similar problems. Not only that, even using the old seed for the next crop without paying royalty for the seed producing company is a crime in Germany.
Andreas Riekeberg, co-ordinator, Campaign for Seed Sovereignty, Germany, was recently at Hosalli village in Nyalakal mandal of Medak district. As told to R. AVADHANI.
What are the similarities in problems being faced by farmers in India and Germany?
Both are facing the problem of keeping and saving the traditional farming systems. In Germany, industrial agriculture is taking place by leaving no place for traditional farming.
Are the farmers not allowed to keep their own seed?
Farmers will not be allowed to keep their own seed. They have to pay royalty for companies selling seed if they sow seed being used from their produce. If they do not take permission for the concerned authorities it was a crime. We are fighting on this issue with the government.
What is the influence of the seed production companies on the policy making of the government?
They are mounting pressure on the government to make policies that are suitable for their market, thereby harming the interests of farmers. Last time our Parliament objected to changes in law that allows farmers to have own seeds. We need to fight this issue till the end. A study points out that farmers can have more yield by sowing 10 to 12 varieties in a field rather than opting for mono crop. Not only that, farmers would be forced to opt for increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, when they go in for new seeds being introduced by companies.
What is your impression of the biodiversity festival being organised by Deccan Development Society (DDS)?
Women taking the lead role in keeping traditional farming intact are very impressive. We want to propagate this in Germany and create awareness among our farmers.
