Coming from a renowned rice-breeder and geneticist, this warning should make the policy-makers and the government sit up and take

notice. Dr Khush, a recipient of various awards, is in Punjab Agricultural University these days.

About the ongoing debate on ethical and unethical agricultural practices, Dr Khush said, “We need to form an authority that can keep a check on unethical practices. The debate over organic versus chemical agriculture is on world over. I too feel that we should go organic. But then we cannot grow cereals organically, as it will be an expensive proposition, which will make food expensive for 20-30 per cent of the world population. This is criminal.”

Dr Khush, who has played a crucial role in ushering in the Green Revolution, added, “Using chemicals should be the last resort. Farmers should first adopt varieties that are resistant to pests’ attack, then follow right practices and when they exhaust all means, they should spray chemicals. At present, what is happening is that pesticide companies’ aggressive marketing is bringing chemicals to farmers faster than any other method.”