Farmers in Maharashtra demand lifting of ban on HTBT cotton
By yash chouhan 2025-11-28 11:17:04
Maharastra : In losses, farmers seek lifting of ban on HTBT cotton
Yavatmal: Cultivation of HTBT cotton, considered environmentally harmful, is banned across the country. Despite this, thousands of farmers continue to grow the variety illegally. Farmers are being exploited in this process, the farmers' union alleged. They have demanded govt grant legal permission for HTBT cultivation to prevent continued economic exploitation of farmers.
Maharashtra is one of the leading cotton-producing states. In Vidarbha alone, Yavatmal district cultivates cotton on nearly 5 lakh hectares. Unpredictable weather conditions and other factors have led to a significant drop in cotton yields in recent years. At the same time, cotton prices have been unstable, and the rising cost of production has not been matched by market rates.
Considering overall input costs, many farmers prefer HTBT cotton.
This year, nearly 40% of cotton cultivation across Vidarbha is estimated to be HTBT. Farmers are forced to purchase them illegally, often falling to frauds.
"We have been cultivating HTBT cotton for years. The yields are good, and importantly, crop management is easier.
Traditionally, one hectare of cotton requires about 75 labourers for weeding, costing nearly 15,000. But with HTBT, the cost is just around 2,500 per hectare. It saves time and ensures uniform crop growth," said Vijay Nival, activist of farmers' union.
"This year, nearly 40% of farmers in Yavatmal district opted for HTBT cotton. The variety is convenient and cost-effective for farmers. But because farmers are forced to buy HTBT seeds illegally, they risk being cheated, leading to huge financial losses. Therefore, govt should legalise HTBT cultivation," he said.
