AP against Bt cotton price upsurge

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Hyderabad Apr 11: In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh government has once again decided against increasing the price of Bt cotton seed in the state.

Speaking to media, the AP agriculture minister N Raghuveera Reddy said that the state government has denied the seed manufacturers request to increase the prices of Bt1 & Bt2 cotton seeds. "They have to sell the seed at Rs 750 per packet, as last year," Reddy said.

Earlier, the cotton seed producers have represented to the government seeking upward revision of Bt1 & Bt2 varieties of cotton seed, which resist the American bollworm pest. They requested the government to increase the Bt1 seed price by Rs 50 per packet (to Rs 800 per packet) and allow sale of Bt2 at Rs 920 per packet. Interestingly, Gujarat and Maharashtra governments have approved the price hike in their respective states.

Reddy said that the study reports by the scientists in the NG Ranga Agriculture University suggests that the farmers sowing Bt2 seed may avoid one or two sprays, but will not get benefit in terms of increased yields. Hence the government felt higher price for Bt2 is improper, the minister said. "We (government) have directed the seed manufacturers to sell the Bt1 & Bt2 at the same price of Rs 750 per packet," Reddy clarified.

The minister further said those who felt the price for Bt2 is unviable can sell only Bt1 in the state. "We will encourage any proven technology and not against any company, but we will not allow exploitation of the farmers in the name of technology," he pointed out.