Seed groups urge fast approval of herbicide-tolerant Bt cotton to curb black-market trade

The Federation of Seed Industry of India and the National Seed Association of India have called on the government to expedite approval of herbicide-tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton, noting that the variety is already being cultivated illegally across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Their study estimates that 6,572 lakh acres were planted in Kharif 2025-26, creating an informal seed market worth roughly ₹1,500 crore and involving 1.25 crore seed packets.

Legal Bt cotton seed sales have declined, prompting the associations to highlight Mahyco's 2024 application for HTBt approval. They also demand changes to glyphosate label claims, as the herbicide's use has risen 26 percent year-on-year, offering a cheaper alternative to manual weeding. Experts warn that unchecked use of unapproved genes and glyphosate could foster resistant pests and weeds, threatening cotton productivity. The associations argue that approving HTBt cotton and the pink bollworm trait is essential for restoring India's cotton self-sufficiency and reviving the sector.