3 months ago 06th Oct 14:00
Britian's Prince Charles claims genetically modified (GM) crops are driving farmers to suicide.
The 59-year-old royal argued the controversial farming technique has caused "truly appalling" suicides among farmers in India, and rejected suggestions it will help feed the Third World.
Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, India, organised by an anti-GM pressure group, Charles alleged the method of food production causes more harm than good, mentioning the "truly appalling and tragic rate of small farmer suicides in India, stemming in part from the failure of many GM crop varieties".
The lecture marks the prince's most outspoken attack yet on GM crops, with his views pitting him against the government, biotech companies and the National Farmers' Union.
truly appalling and tragic rate of small farmer suicides in India, stemming in part from the failure of many GM crop varieties
The biotech industry has previously lauded GM farming as a solution to Third World poverty, and claims the growth of GM cotton in India led to higher yields.
The prince labelled GM crops "a global moral question" and "a wrong turning on the route to feeding the world". He added they were "commerce without morality" and "science without humanity".
It has been claimed hundreds of farmers in India have committed suicide after falling into debt buying seeds and fertilisers sold by GM companies.
More about Prince Charles' GM warning on page 2
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