The Southern Action on Genetic Engineering (SAGE)-Karnataka, which undertook a jatha to highlight the threat to farmers' seeds by corporate seed companies, will conclude its awareness campaign by holding a State-level Seed Savers' convention in Bangalore on May 20 and 21.

The two-day convention, which will be held at the NGO Hall, Cubbon Park, will hold deliberations on the threat to Karnataka's seed sovereignty and highlight the State's seed diversity.

Representative of SAGE-Karnataka V. Gayatri told presspersons here on Friday that efforts have been made by corporate seed companies, particularly foreign companies, to gain control over the agricultural practices of the country. By promoting hybrid seeds, these companies want to destroy traditional and indigenous seeds and make farmers dependent on them.

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda will inaugurate the convention on May 20. M.K. Ramesh from National Law School of India University will speak on the emerging legal issues related to seeds.

Originally posted here:

State's seed diversity is under threat, say activists