Burma: Hybrid Rice Plans Face Strong Opposition

Plans by the German biotech corporation Bayer to introduce a new hybrid rice variety in Burma have run into stiff opposition from environmentalists citing fears that the project could plunge farmers into heavy debt.

Although Bayer says its ready to wait till the opposition dies down, prominent environmentalists and agricultural activists slammed their plans and have called on Burmese farmers to resist the introduction of the new rice variety.

The internationally renowned Indian scientist, author and environmental activist Vandana Shiva believes that Burma should learn from the experience of her own country, where more than 150,000 farmers had committed suicide after being pushed into debt by multinational companies.