Mahyco-Monsanto Biotech (MMB), a US based company is envisaging to introduce a new hybrid version of cotton for commercial cultivation in India by 2011.
Bolgard I and Bollgard II genetically modified (GM) cotton, have already been giving successful results in India and Mosanto is quite confident that this Roundup Ready Flex (RRF), a second generation hybrid will be ready for commercial markets in the coming 2-3 years.
In order to check the growth, development, crop output and fibre quality of the cotton seeds, Government has given approval for field trials in South India.
Longstanding cotton is prone to damage by glyhosate. Instead, the use of RRF will not only prevent the emergence of weeds but will also leave the cotton crops unharmed.
In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Mr Raj Ketkar, Deputy Managing Director, Mahyco-Monsanto Biotech, said, “The adoption of the Bollgard technology by farmers and increase in acreage is testament to the continuing success and acceptance of this technology in India. High per acre production, and stable domestic consumption, makes cotton more profitable. We hope this will drive the greater acceptance of agricultural (Ag) biotechnology in the years ahead.
Fibre2fashion News Desk-India
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