Monsanto is in trouble, this time it is not Andhra Pradesh, but Gujarat is the cause.
Government of Gujarat is examining the recent case against the Monsanto for selling genetically modified cottonseed (Bt cotton) at high price.
Having learned a lesson from Andhra Pradesh government, Gujarat is to take matured decision, said Bhupendersinh Chudasama, the State Minister for Agriculture, addressing All-India Cotton Trade Conference.
Further, the minister complained that unofficial variety of Bt cotton favoured by farmers was sold for as low as Rs450 a packet, while the official or approved variety was four times higher.
According to Chudasama, there is a case for reduction in price of official Bt cotton.
Estimated cotton production of Gujarat this season (2005-06) is 82 lakh bales (170 kg); from this, more than 50 lakh bales represent unofficial or unapproved GM cottonseed, according to the East India Cotton Association.
This is the cause of administrative lapse, which creates problems for both seed manufacturers and farmers in parts of the country.
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