The Hindu Business Line : 20 Bt cotton strains available to farmers for sowing this year

FARMERS in Andhra Pradesh will have the option to grow at least seven genetically modified cotton varieties despite the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) denying permission to Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd (Mahyco) to sell two varieties in the State.

With GEAC giving its go-ahead for commercial release of two more strains, NCs-145 Bunny Bt and NCS-207 Mallika BT, last week, 20 Bt cotton varieties are available to the farmers for cultivation this year. This is against the availability of just four varieties last year.

The number of strains available for sale this year is up mainly since GEAC has cleared six Bt cotton varieties for commercial release in North India. Till last year, no variety had been approved for sowing.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is known to fight bollworm, a scourge that has hit the crop often. It derives its name from the gene that is inserted into the seed to repel the pests. Most of the seeds that have got approval for commercial release have been derived from Monsanto's Cry 1A(c) gene. Monsanto has given licences to companies such as Mahyco and Rasi to develop GM cotton from this gene.

Farmers in the central zone will have the maximum number of varieties to pick from. In all, there are 12 hybrids for them to choose.

Excluding Andhra Pradesh, growers in the South will have a choice of nine hybrids this season.

"In view of the fact that almost all the varieties are from the genes licences from Monsanto, there is unlikely to be any affect on the US seed firm due to GEAC denying permission for Mech 162 and 184 to be cultivated in Andhra Pradesh," industry sources said.

GEAC, in its meeting on May 3, decided to deny permission following representation from the Andhra Pradesh Government. The State had pointed out that farmers had incurred loss in cultivating these varieties and Mahyco had allegedly failed to honour its assurance to compensate them. It has now proposed that the State agriculture varieties also be involved in examining the Bt varieties before being given permission for commercial release.

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