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VIJAYAWADA, Jan. 1

ANDHRA Pradesh will not allow the introduction of BT cotton, or any other genetically modified crop, unless there is a specific clearance from the Centre and all the doubts about such crops are cleared, Mr V. Sobhanadreeswara Rao, the Agriculture Minister, said on Tuesday.

At a press meet here, he said the Navabharat Company had unofficially introduced BT cotton seed in 400 acres in Kurnool and Mahaboobnagar districts and action was being initiated against the company and the seed would be destroyed. He said, however, that there were divergent opinions on the subject and there was also a view that no harm would ensue and BT seeds would be of great help to the agricultural sector. ``In fact, there is also a feeling that we are losing out to China and other countries in this respect,'' he said and added that the State would, however, play it safe.

He said the State had taken effective steps for the supply of quality seeds to the farmers in the State and all the major seed companies, as well as the AP Seed Development Corporation, had signed the MoU with the State Government on supply of quality seed. ``If any company supplies defective seed, it would have to replace the seed and also pay the farmer compensation. In Warangal district, the cotton seed companies had to pay the farmers compensation of Rs 2.2 crore as a result,'' he said. He expressed hope that the Centre would soon amend the Seed Act, obviating the need for the State Government to sign MoUs with different companies.

He said the foodgrain production in the State had not suffered much in spite of adverse seasonal conditions and drought in many parts. Later, after releasing the diary of the Agricultural Extension Officers' Association in the State, he said the State Government was toying with the idea of partly privatising extension work. Many companies were willing to take up such work, he added.

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