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Our Bureau

Hyderabad June 14 The Andhra Pradesh Government is likely to bring out a `GM Seeds Act' in the next few days to keep tab on sales, quality and distribution of genetically modified seed as the kharif season begins in the State.

Though the term `GM' looks generic, the intention of the Government is to control the Bt cottonseed activity in the State. The Bt cotton acreage is expected to cross the 20-lakh-acre mark this year as against 16 lakh acres in 2006-07 and 5.5 lakh acres the year before.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, Minister for Agriculture, said the Ministry was in the process of taking legal and technical opinion on the scope of making a separate legislation. "It will take one or two days to arrive at a decision in this regard," he said.

Besides, the Minister spoke to Mr Sharad Pawar, Union Minister of Agriculture, on retaining cottonseed in the Essential Commodities Act, which would reinstate the State's power to dictate terms. "Mr Pawar responded positively," he said.

Bt efficacy

Quoting a preliminary report by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agriculture University, Mr Raghuveera Reddy said there was not much increase in productivity when farmers used Bt seed. "But the number of sprays (pesticides) has gone down significantly, saving them Rs 3,000-5,000 on an acre," he said.

Replying to a question on Bt-II pricing, he asked the farmers not to pay more than Rs 750 a packet. "When compared to Bt-I, the Bt-II seed gave no significant benefit to the farmer," he said. While Bt-I (Bollgard-I) technology promoted by Monsanto offers protection against bollworms, the second generation Bt-II provides shield against heliothis. "Bollworms is the major problem for the farmers in the State," the Minister felt.

More Stories on : Seeds | Bio-tech & Genetics | Andhra Pradesh

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