The G8 is a economic united front of some of the most powerful countries in the world. So once they put up a united economic front, they will be in a position to exploit the markets and resources of the whole world. And in particular the developing countries will be suffering the effect. Now what we see today is that 70% of Indian population depends on agriculture for its sustenance and livelihood. And now agriculture sector is going to be affected very very negatively. If multinationals make their entry, big multinational companies, in the agriculture sector, then what happens to almost 20-25% of the agricultural workers in India? Because multinationals will have their agriculture with big machines. What happens to millions and millions of sharecroppers? What happens to the small peasantry?
Secondly, the most important aspect to be understood in India is that agriculture is primarily to ensure the food security to the people of this country. Here the whole orientation is to make our agriculture 'market-linked' agriculture. So when this happens then most of the poor people will be out of the agricultural sector totally.
Dr. Vinayan is a leader in the landless peoples struggle in Bihar, India.