Maharashtra cancels license of Bt cotton seed producer

According to reports, Maharashtra has cancelled the license of Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco) to sell its 12 varieties of Bt hybrid cotton seeds.

The license of Mahyco has been cancelled effectively for allegedly supplying misinformation to the agriculture department of Maharashtra with regard to the seed supply this kharif season (June-September).

However, according to ‘The Hindu’, Mahyco has not received any communication from the government with regard to the license cancellation. Mahyco can also challenge the decision before the appellate authority – The Agriculture Commissioner.

In an email communication to this scribe, Mr. Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti, a farmers’ support group has welcomed the ban on Bt cotton seed in Maharashtra and he has demanded the ban of Bt cotton seeds distributed by 28 other companies that have sublicensed from Mahyco.

Dr Seshadri Ramkumar