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Report
A state-wide campaign aimed at food security, safe food and food
sovereignty- ‘Annam’ was launched in a unique function organized
by Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA)
and The Environment Collaborative at Thiruvananthapuram jointly
by three eminent personalities- state food minister Mr. C.
Divakaran, promoter of Navadanya (Delhi) Dr Vandana Shiva and
the founder of Slow Food Movement (Italy) Mr Carlo Petrini.
C. Divakaran, State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies in his
inaugural speech expressed concern over the food scarcity and
insecurity faced by the State. “Now we are depending on
neighboring states for our daily food requirements, from food
grains to milk, egg and meat. The productivity from our rice
fields has also been declining alarmingly. The State is looking
for expert advice to combat this adverse scenario. The nuclear
family system and the fast pace of modern life has also
contributed towards the mushrooming of fast food culture in the
state” he added.
The founder of Navdanya, Dr Vandana Shiva who presided over the
function said that the corporate monopoly over agriculture and
food production caused the debilitation of the ecosystem as well
as the food security all over the world. The policy of the
National and State Governments promoting import of food grains
and processed food worsened the already existing crisis in
agriculture, driving many farmers to suicide. While the prices
of agriculture produce are increasing rapidly, the farmers are
fallen in debt trap. Because major portion of the profit goes to
Corporates. The idea that chemical agriculture produces more
food is a myth. There are only two options- good food or no
food” she said.
While launching the movement symbolically by filling the
traditional ‘Para’ with paddy, Carlo Petrini said that the food
should be the property of communities, not of the Corporates.
“Industrialization of farming is not a realistic solution to
food insecurity.150 years of chemical farming destroyed the life
of the soil. Slow food is against mass production of food.
Preserving and popularizing the local food recipes and for
processing would the ideal sustainable solution to the corporate
monopoly over food. There is an urgent need for a food
revolution to replace the industrialized factory model highly
processed food with a sustainable system of safe and nutritious
food that fuel sour health ,food that is properly labeled and
ethically produced. We need to discuss on solutions such as
urban agriculture, farmland preservation and innovative models
for strengthening the link between farmers and consumers, as
well as provide channels for getting involved through ongoing
working groups. There is a health crisis and food crisis looming
large and we cannot forget nor wish it away”, said Mr. Petrini
The inaugural session was followed by a panel discussion in
which the ways and means to carry forward this movement in India
were discussed and the modalities were framed.
Sudha Soni, chief functionary of TEC welcomed the gathering. Dr.
C. Suresh Kumar, General Secretary, CISSA presented the policy
statement of ANNAM movement. Dr C.R.Soman, Dr. M.P.Nayar, Dr. S.
Rajasekharan, Dr C.R.Rajagopal, Dr S.Santhi, Ajith Venniyoor and
Dr. A. Biju Kumar have also spoke on the occasion. |
