A well established multinational seed company is offering high yielding seeds of some crops to farmers in your village free of cost. The company is also willing to purchase the output at competitive market price. As a head of an NGO you have come to know that the company is offering genetically modified seeds which can adversely affect the soil quality and requires lot of water. The effect on human and animal health in the long run is unknown. Your NGO has started campaigns and meetings to sensitise farmers but still some would want to go for the seeds since the offer is a lucrative one. You have called for a meeting to discuss and solve the issue.
- try to communicate with the company for details of the seeds and purchase offer. find out the legal and testing status of the seeds. understand all risks associated and get them in writing.
- Design a comprehensive program to raise awareness about GM crops and their risks - utilize educated youth from the village, progressive farmers, etc. to spread message
- propose a trial run on small patches for first year, during which effects can be found using various observational and scientific techniques
- take help from nearby agricultural universities, government research and agricultural bodies for testing the seeds and gather proper information
- Inform local administration about the issue and get them on board. Even a general government advisory would go a long way in convincing farmers
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