Farmers of Gujarat reaped bumper cotton output during the recent Kharif season and expect good crop again due to weather gods in their favor.
This in no way has assuaged the concerns of Bolgard technology (Bt) patent holder Monsanto and the licensee Mahyco Monsanto Biotech Limited that finds illegal Bt cotton seed making it to rural Indian markets.
It is reported that over 20 lakh hectare cultivated for cotton, 80 percent used illegal or name sake Bt cotton seeds along with negligible share of desi (country) seeds.
Company representative's claims that unorganized sector has sold inferior quality seeds under Bt cotton seeds label putting threatening prospects of poor harvest.
Company representative claim that during the recent Kharif season over 4 lakh packets of cottonseeds were sold compared to over 20 lakh packets under uncertified seeds causing huge losses to the company and farmers as well. Besides, they says that certified Bt cotton seed yield is about 15 to 17 quintal as against only about five to seven from illegal seeds.
Vikram Seeds another local India player will also start its Bt cotton seeds under the license from Monsanto soon, sources said.
On cost comparision, Monsanto Bt cotton seed is priced at Rs1600-1700 per one acre while uncertified seed sells at Rs 500-1200 that gives edge to illegal traders.
On the other hand uncertified seed traders vent their anger against Monsanto calling them monopolist successfully kept them procuring certification to sell Bt cotton employing “money power".
marketing@alchempro.com
