Proposed Seed bill is a 'black bill': Nitish

Patna, June 22: Terming the proposed Seed bill as "a black bill," Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today (Jun 22) said the farmers would be subjected to immense suffering once the proposed legislation came into force.

"The proposed Seed bill is a black bill.. farmers will be subjected to immense suffering once the proposed legislation came into force," Kumar told an international conference here.

Stating that agriculture was a state subject in the constitution, he said in conformity with the spirit of the constitution, GM Food or Seed Bill should not be thrust on the states without taking into confidence.

He said the proposed bill was dangerous and completely against the interests of the farmers and the view of the state government should be taken into consideration before formulating the policies on the issue.

"Bihar is an agro-based state and livelihood of many is based on agriculture and if that too is put in danger where will they go? If the bill comes into force then they will face immense suffering and become penniless," Kumar said.

Referring to hybrid and genetic seed, the chief minister said the debate was on on the issue. "But still there are doubts in mind and thus the scientists should work to dispel the doubts."

PTI