LJA Andhra Pradesh: March against Monsanto 12 Oct 2013

Today we had gathered at Nizam college by 6.45am. There were students of Nizam College, Members of National Alliance of People's Movements, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Raitu Swarajya Vedika,  Lokvidya Jan Andolan and other groups.  And the Cycle rally started around 7am. There were 12-13 cyclists and 3-4 motorbikes. We first went to the Agricultural Commissioners office and did a dharna there - demanding that the govt, cancel all the contracts it has signed with Monsanto, and other companies manufacturing gm seeds. From there we went to Monsanto's office, where we pasted an EVICTION NOTICE on the door of their office. We must note here that Monsanto's office is right next to the Residence of Mr. Subbi Rami Reddy who is the Chairman overseeing the BRAI Bill and also the Minister for Dept. of Science and Technology. After posting the Eviction Notice on Their Door, we came out and did a Dharna at their main entrance. We raised slogans asking Monsanto to Quit India. Here we were joined by the State Farmers Union President of the CPI party, Parsha Padma and Mr. Ramakrishna of CPI party. After the dharna at Monsanto, the next stop was at KBR Park where we distributed pamphlets to the visitors and had many interesting discussions. From here the next stop was at Hitech City and then Madhapur. Where we stopped for breakfast. From Madhapur the cyclists moved on until ICRISAT. On the way we were distributing pamphlets about GM food and also about the March against Monsanto. People expressed the opinion that this campaign must be done extensively across the state in all districts, especially with farmers. 

At ICRISAT we were joined by the Farmers groups of Southern Action Against Genetic Engineering, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Fellow activists from Hyderabad. At first, the security of ICRISAT refused to allow us to even stand on the footpath in front of ICRISAT. We showed them the Police permission and stood there and raised slogans against GM food and farmers ' right to seeds, and Demanded ICRISAT to return farmers seeds and Stop GM Research. Then we took out a march upto the Gates of ICRISAT and did a dharna for a short while. Then the women farmers from SAGE, Medak District sang songs against the GM crops and seeds and how they destroy farmers lives, while destroying the soils and people's health. Then we placed all our placards in the center of the space and danced around singing songs on the dangers from GM seeds. As this was the season of Batukamma festivities of Dussera, the same was performed in this manner. After that we once against did a short march and did a sit-in in front of ICRISAT, raising slogans. After that we sat for a short while and discussed the future plan of action with all the people present there. The people working in ICRISAT were not too happy as we had exposed their connection to MONSANTO and BILL GATES (the largest share holder of Monsanto) out in the open. 

The group dispersed around 1.30pm.