HTBT Cotton: 'HTBT' has created a stir in the cotton market
Farmers' Income: Like last season, this year too HTBT (Herbicide Tolerant BT Cotton) cotton was planted on a large scale in Vidarbha and Khandesh. Due to farmers getting satisfactory income compared to the cost of production, the market is indicating the possibility of increase in the inclination of farmers towards the cultivation of this seed in this season also. However, the increasing use of HTBT seeds is becoming a matter of concern for traditional cotton seed producing companies in the state.
According to cotton experts, due to lack of sales in the last season, huge returns have been seen in BT cotton seeds of many renowned companies. Barring a few companies, most of the companies were hit financially. Not only the manufacturing companies but also the seed sellers had to bear the brunt of this situation. Due to non-sale, stock got stuck and financial transactions were affected.
In this background, the vendors also tried to draw the attention of the local administration against illegal sale of HTBT in the last season. But in reality the systems have not been able to achieve the expected success in controlling the distribution of this seed. The picture shows that the administration is helpless due to the collusion of the supply chain in every village.
Registration from next week
Meanwhile, booking (registration) of seed companies for this season will start from next week. Currently more than 50 seed supply companies are operating in the market. There is good demand for cotton varieties of seven to eight companies. But looking at the increasing influence of HTBT in the last two years, there is a fear that these major companies may also be hit this year.
It is well known that HTBT seeds are supplied in large quantities from outside states, especially Gujarat. Its network has been strengthened at the local level and it is likely that the supply of this seed will start soon for the new season also. Sources said that this has created a big challenge for the official seed market.
Various farmer organizations have responded that HT (Herbicide Tolerant) technology is genetic modification of seeds. This allows the use of herbicides in cotton or other crops. There is no damage to the root crop. Thanks to this technology, weed control can be done by saving the labor cost of farmers. There are restrictions on its use in India. But we believe that whatever secret cultivation of HTBT cotton is being done today is part of a citizen movement against government policies.
Administration desperate
It appears that the state machinery is completely failing to control the illegal supply of HTBT seeds in the state. Even though this seed is being planted in the villages, the concerned departments are not able to ascertain it concretely.
The government had initially banned these seeds in the country for 10 years. It's been quite some time now. The government should address the issues pointed out by the Supreme Court in this regard. Also, there is no problem in removing the existing ban on seeds and making this technology available to farmers.
read more :- Cotton imports increased, purchases intensified due to fall in prices
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