Bitter Seeds (2011)
Every 30 minutes a farmer in India kills himself. Is he next?
A vibrant investigation of the predicament of central Indian cotton farmers, caught up in biotech broker Monsanto's genetically modified seed program. Refused loans by legitimate banks, the farmers borrow from illegal moneylenders at seven percent interest per month and inevitably fall into irredeemable debt, further aggravated by low yields and a need for more fertilizer and water. Out of shame, some commit suicide by drinking Monsanto’s pesticide – such deaths now number over 200,000. The tiny miracle in this seemingly hopeless globalization tragedy is the daughter of one such farmer, a council head who was the first in his village to kill himself. Eighteen-year-old Manjusha yearns to be a journalist to expose the reasons for the suicides, but she has no mentor and certainly no encouragement. Peled’s latest heroine fights on the frontline of this global human and environmental crisis, driven by a desire to voice the perspective and preserve the dignity of the powerless.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Bitter Seeds about?
- A vibrant investigation of the predicament of central Indian cotton farmers, caught up in biotech broker Monsanto's genetically modified seed program. Refused loans by legitimate banks, the farmers borrow from illegal moneylenders at seven percent interest per month and inevitably fall into irredeemable debt, further aggravated by low yields and a need for more fertilizer and water. Out of shame, some commit suicide by drinking Monsanto’s pesticide – such deaths now number over 200,000. The tiny miracle in this seemingly hopeless globalization tragedy is the daughter of one such farmer, a council head who was the first in his village to kill himself. Eighteen-year-old Manjusha yearns to be a journalist to expose the reasons for the suicides, but she has no mentor and certainly no encouragement. Peled’s latest heroine fights on the frontline of this global human and environmental crisis, driven by a desire to voice the perspective and preserve the dignity of the powerless.
- Who directed Bitter Seeds?
- Bitter Seeds was directed by Micha X. Peled.
- How long is Bitter Seeds?
- Bitter Seeds has a runtime of 1h 28m (88 minutes).
- What genre is Bitter Seeds?
- Bitter Seeds is a Documentary film.
- Where was Bitter Seeds produced?
- Bitter Seeds was produced in United States of America.