EXCERPT: In a press release here, the chairman of FEDCOT, P Duraisingam, stated that Monsanto had supplied genetically modified BT cotton seeds, which caused havoc among the families of cotton farmers in AP. The seed, which promised bountiful cotton harvest failed miserably leading to many farmers committing suicide.
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FEDCOT hails AP action against Monsanto
New India Presss, January 6 2006
SOUTHERN NEWS - TAMIL NADU
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20060106003620&Topic=0&Title=Southern%20News%20-%20Tamil%20Nadu&Page=T

MADURAI: The Federation of Consumer Organisation of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (FEDCOT) and the Consumer Coordination Council, New Delhi, have hailed the bold, though belated, initiative of the government of Andhra Pradesh for filing a case against Monsanto for its unfair trade practices (UTP).

In a press release here, the chairman of FEDCOT, P Duraisingam, stated that Monsanto had supplied genetically modified BT cotton seeds, which caused havoc among the families of cotton farmers in AP. The seed, which promised bountiful cotton harvest failed miserably leading to many farmers committing suicide.

Duraisingam said that this was the first time since the Monopoly Restriction of Trade Practices (MRTP) Act was enacted in 1964 that a State government had come before the MRTP Commission on behalf of consumers aggrieved by unfair trade practices.

He said that many giant companies in India, both national and multinational, including public sector undertakings, adopt many prohibited UTPs harming the interests of the consumers.

Central and State governments should follow the good example set by the AP government to check these unfair trade practices, the release added.

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