Interviews
Bt cotton seed production plummets
11 May '10
1 min read
From 45 million packets two years ago, output of Bt cotton seeds has fallen to 30 million packets this year. According to National Seed Association of India (NSAI), if this decline continues then the coming year is sure to face dearth of Bt cotton seeds.
Currently, the demand and supply of Bt cotton seeds stands at 30 million packets. According to Paresh Verma, member of NSAI and of Shriram Bioseed Genetics India Limited, with this ongoing trend, it seems difficult to deliver even the 30 million packets.
Of the 200 NSAI members, 50 are in the business of production of Bt cotton seeds. Verma explains that the shift of farmer's focus to other more profitable farm crops is due to failure of firms to pay remuneration to the seed growers.
Since Northern India has been facing a dearth in Bt cotton seeds, the government should consider discontinuation of controlling the Bt cotton seed prices, averred NSAI President, Uday Singh.
While the total seed market in India is fixed at Rs 65 billion, of this, cotton seed accounts for about Rs 25 billion and close to 90 percent of this is from Bt cotton.
Currently, the demand and supply of Bt cotton seeds stands at 30 million packets. According to Paresh Verma, member of NSAI and of Shriram Bioseed Genetics India Limited, with this ongoing trend, it seems difficult to deliver even the 30 million packets.
Of the 200 NSAI members, 50 are in the business of production of Bt cotton seeds. Verma explains that the shift of farmer's focus to other more profitable farm crops is due to failure of firms to pay remuneration to the seed growers.
Since Northern India has been facing a dearth in Bt cotton seeds, the government should consider discontinuation of controlling the Bt cotton seed prices, averred NSAI President, Uday Singh.
While the total seed market in India is fixed at Rs 65 billion, of this, cotton seed accounts for about Rs 25 billion and close to 90 percent of this is from Bt cotton.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India
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