INDIA GREENS PARTY
Press Release
Issued at New Delhi on 22 October 2024
The India Greens Party (iGP) today urged the Government of India to stop the artificial fortification of rice and edible oils, and go for sustainable farming practices instead.
In its appeal to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the party pointed out that the policy to fortify rice and edible oils was driven by the interests of multinational corporations.
The party said the health experts have raised serious concerns about the impact of this practice on the health of the Indian poor, particularly those suffering from sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and the risk of vitamin poisonings.
The India Greens Party has pointed out the key issues with the current fortification policies. It said the artificial fortification poses significant dangers, especially for individuals with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The introduction of excess iron and other nutrients can lead to severe complications, including organ damage and increased health risks.
The fortification initiative has been heavily influenced by lobbying from multinational entities, raising concerns about prioritizing profit over public health. This approach neglects the needs of the most vulnerable communities in India.
Over-fortification can result in harmful levels of vitamins, particularly affecting children and pregnant women who are already at risk. A focus on artificial additives diverts attention from sustainable nutritional solutions.
Instead of continuing with potentially harmful fortification practices, the India Greens Party advocates for a comprehensive shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. We propose the following measures:
The government should invest in improving the nutritional quality of soils through organic farming practices. Healthy soils yield nutrient-rich crops that can significantly improve public health.
Based on the recommendations of the Expert Anupam Verma Committee, we call to implement ban on all the 66 toxic pesticides already banned in other countries that threaten both health and the environment in India.
Reviving traditional farming methods such as polyculture and permaculture will enhance biodiversity, increase resilience against pests, and provide a wider variety of nutritious foods for communities.
The India Greens Party’s Co-President, Kailash Anerao, said that their party believed that true food security and health could not be achieved through artificial fortification driven by corporate interests.
“We urge the Modi government to prioritise sustainable, organic practices that benefit both the environment and the health of the Indian people,” Mr Anerao added.
–Issued by Suresh Nautiyal, Chief Spokesperson
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(India Greens Party is registered with the Election Commission of India under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Registration Number: 56/476/2018-19/PPS-I, effective from 18/07/2019.)
National Head Office: GreenDham AnandiChait, IndraBalbhadra Parisar, Unchir-Dunktok, SH-31, PO-Ghurdauri, Distt-Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, INDIA. PIN-246194.
Email: contact@indiagreensparty.org Website: https://indiagreensparty.org
