Monsanto Losing Millions – Farmers in India Switching to Indigenous Cotton
Monsanto is losing millions of dollars now that farmers in India are switching to indigenous cotton seeds rather than Bt cotton.
The agrochemical company is known for pushing a form of Bt cotton in India for the last decade. They have been accused of manipulating laws in order to enter the Indian market.
Monsanto’s manipulation and greed in India has caused hundreds of thousands of Indian farmers to commit suicide. Between the years of 1995 and 2013, more than 300,000 farmer suicides occurred, many of which were linked to Monsanto. Farmers are forced to pay for Monsanto’s costly seeds, which then force them to pay for the expensive pesticides to effectively grow them, as Bt cotton’s pest resistant quality fades over time.
These farmers are losing their lands, and their livelihoods, due to the debt they incur trying to afford Monsanto’s products. Many of the farmers drink the chemical insecticides in order to commit suicide.
But recently the Indian government has been promoting the use of indigenous seeds as an alternative. In the past year Monsanto has lost $75 million in royalties from the switch. As Keshav Raj Kranthi of India’s Central Institute for Cotton Research stated, “Just wait for the crucial three to four years to see a complete, natural turnaround. By then most farmers will give up Bt cotton and go for the indigenous variety.”
NationofChange is reader-supported. Please do your part today. Donate or give monthly. Monsanto claims that the genetically modified cotton seeds they sell are superior, but places in West Africa, where Monsanto is similarly pushing their Bt seeds, rejected the gm seeds after finding it produced poor quality cotton.
Comments (2)
x6du2h
# Harvard University: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
## A Brief History of Harvard University
Founded in 1636, **Harvard University** is the oldest and
one of the most prestigious higher education institutions
in the United States. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard has built a global reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and influential alumni.
From its humble beginnings as a small college established to educate clergy, it has
evolved into a world-leading university that shapes the future
across various disciplines.
## Harvard’s Impact on Education and Research
Harvard is synonymous with **innovation and intellectual leadership**.
The university boasts:
– **12 degree-granting schools**, including the renowned **Harvard Business School**, **Harvard
Law School**, and **Harvard Medical School**.
– **A faculty of world-class scholars**, many of whom are Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners,
and pioneers in their fields.
– **Cutting-edge research**, with Harvard leading initiatives in artificial intelligence,
public health, climate change, and more.
Harvard’s contribution to research is immense, with billions
of dollars allocated to scientific discoveries
and technological advancements each year.
## Notable Alumni: The Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
Harvard has produced some of the **most influential figures** in history, spanning
politics, business, entertainment, and science. Among them are:
– **Barack Obama & John F. Kennedy** – Former U.S.
Presidents
– **Mark Zuckerberg & Bill Gates** – Tech visionaries (though
Gates did not graduate)
– **Natalie Portman & Matt Damon** – Hollywood icons
– **Malala Yousafzai** – Nobel Prize-winning activist
The university continues to cultivate future leaders who
shape industries and drive global progress.
## Harvard’s Stunning Campus and Iconic Library
Harvard’s campus is a blend of **historical charm and modern innovation**.
With over **200 buildings**, it features:
– The **Harvard Yard**, home to the iconic **John Harvard Statue** (and the famous
“three lies” legend).
– The **Widener Library**, one of the largest university libraries in the world, housing **over 20 million volumes**.
– State-of-the-art research centers, museums,
and performing arts venues.
## Harvard Traditions and Student Life
Harvard offers a **rich student experience**, blending
academics with vibrant traditions, including:
– **Housing system:** Students live in one of 12 residential houses,
fostering a strong sense of community.
– **Annual Primal Scream:** A unique tradition where students de-stress by running through Harvard Yard before finals!
– **The Harvard-Yale Game:** A historic football rivalry that unites alumni
and students.
With over **450 student organizations**, Harvard students engage in a diverse range of extracurricular activities, from entrepreneurship to performing arts.
## Harvard’s Global Influence
Beyond academics, Harvard drives change in **global policy,
economics, and technology**. The university’s research
impacts healthcare, sustainability, and artificial
intelligence, with partnerships across industries worldwide.
**Harvard’s endowment**, the largest of
any university, allows it to fund scholarships, research,
and public initiatives, ensuring a legacy of impact
for generations.
## Conclusion
Harvard University is more than just a school—it’s a **symbol of excellence, innovation, and leadership**.
Its **centuries-old traditions, groundbreaking discoveries, and transformative education** make it one of the most influential institutions in the world.
Whether through its distinguished alumni, pioneering research, or
vibrant student life, Harvard continues to shape the future in profound
ways.
Would you like to join the ranks of Harvard’s legendary
scholars? The journey starts with a dream—and an application!
https://www.harvard.edu/