Demands to lift ban on the use of herbicide-tolerant Bt (HTBT) cotton in the state are growing stronger. Several farmers organisations have argued that the state government needs to take action in this regard soon to avoid the illegal sale of such seeds annually. HTBT is the herbicide tolerant (Ht) third-generation of genetically-modified (GM) cotton.
The issue came to the light after the Akola district authorities decided to file an FIR against a group of farmers who had sown banned HTBT cotton to highlight their demand for access to the technology. Despite the ban, the HTBT is cultivated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka as the farmers argue that the hybrid reduces the huge amount of money spent in deweeding.
Speaking to DNA, newly appointed agriculture minister Anil Bonde said, "I will discuss with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis whether the ban on HTBT cotton can be lifted.''
Leading agriculture activist and chairman of Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavalamban Mission (VNSSM) Kishore Tiwari said farmers should have the freedom to use technology without inflicting harm to public health. "Use of HTBT cotton should not have an adverse impact on the environment. Besides, by allowing cultivation of HTBT cotton, companies engaged in its manufacture and supply should not gain a monopoly,'' he noted.
Leader of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana Manik Kadam said the government needs to soon lift the ban on HTBT cotton seeds as they are currently sold illegally and extensively used in various districts of Maharashtra. "At present, HTBT cotton seeds are available at Rs 1,500 per 750 gm. If the ban is lifted the price will be reduced to half and the farmers will be in a position to approach the state government to seek compensation in the event of crop failure,'' he said.
Kadam further added that the farmers should be allowed to use GM technology as it will increase production and it can control all bollworm diseases.
Farmers organisations pointed out that the use of HTBT cotton is illegal and can attract a jail term and penalty.
Kisan Sabha's state general secretary Ajit Nawale asserted that farmers should be exposed to new technology, but while doing so, safety should be of paramount importance. "Illegal use of HTBT cotton seeds will affect the health of farmers and the environment in general. It needs to be assessed whether lifting of the ban on the use of GM technology will lead to a rise in production when farmers are struggling to get market price," he opined.
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