logo
Illegal HT cotton seeds make deep inroads into agriculture markets, hits legal traders

Illegal HT cotton seeds make deep inroads into agriculture markets, hits legal traders

Time of India10-06-2025
Nagpur: The prohibited herbicide-tolerant (HT) seeds — genetically engineered to survive toxic weed killers — have made deep inroads into the market, and it may end up leaving a major dent in the legal trade of BG2 cotton seeds this sowing season, say dealers in agricultural inputs.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Farmers are buying the HT seed at nearly double the price at which the legitimate BG2 cotton is available, said sources. Farmers told TOI that HT seeds are being sold for as much as Rs1,200 to 1,500 a packet, whereas the permitted BG2 seeds are being sold for Rs850. Rates of the latter are fixed by the govt.
CD Mayee, former director of Central Institute of Cotton Research, said at least 30% of the area under cotton is expected to have HT cotton.
HT seeds were developed by multinational agriculture giant Monsanto in alliance with the Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco). It has an additional gene that can survive even if weed-killers (herbicides) are used. It does away with the need for manually clearing farms of weeds before and after sowing. Just spraying glyphosate-based herbicide helps, as the weeds are killed and the HT cotton survives. The BG2 cotton is only resistant to the bollworm pest.
However, the variety could not get formal approval from the govt as the trials were stopped midway by the Mahyco-Monsanto combine. Yet, as the seeds were pilfered, Gujarat emerged as the hub for illegal cultivation, said sources.
Pankaj Bothra, a dealer in Yavatmal, said traders have to book their quota of cotton seeds by paying in advance. There are chances that many may not be able to even recover their costs due to the rampant sale of HT seeds.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
There are chances that some may even ask for a refund from seed companies due to substantial stock remaining unsold.
Sharad Chandak of Nagpur Agro Dealers Association also acknowledged that HT seeds are hitting their business. Farmers are preferring the HT seeds, which the peddlers claim have dual protection covering both pests and herbicides. In fact, the grey market dealers start operations much before the official sales are allowed.
The govt does not allow the sale of cotton seeds before June 15, a source said.
Sources said the packets are transported in passenger buses from Gujarat, with dealers bringing small quantities to avoid detection. In a recent trend, loose seeds are brought to Vidarbha and then packed by local agents. So far, the agriculture department has seized 1,800 packets and over 1.7 tonnes of loose HT seeds in Nagpur division. Farmers say this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The real action must happen in Gujarat — where the source lies.
Meanwhile, even as BG2 seeds sales are down, dealers are also stocking glyphosate-based weed killers anticipating demand due to the HT seeds. Legally, glyphosate cannot be used in cropped areas but it is easily available in stores, said sources.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MediBuddy eyes buyouts, funding for expansion
MediBuddy eyes buyouts, funding for expansion

Time of India

time40 minutes ago

  • Time of India

MediBuddy eyes buyouts, funding for expansion

NEW DELHI: MediBuddy, a digital healthcare startup, has drawn plans to expand its services through strategic acquisitions and aims to secure fresh funding to bolster operations, a senior company official has said. "We remain committed to reaching new customers and enhancing our offerings," CEO Satish Kannan told TOI, adding that the company is actively evaluating acquisition opportunities in key healthcare segments such as chronic disease management, mental health, maternity, and women's health. "We are always keen to evaluate opportunities that align with our strategic business priorities. As part of our future growth strategy, we are actively exploring acquisitions to broaden our healthcare services," said Kannan. The startup's future road map involves both organic and inorganic expansion with the help of a user base that has grown.. "Mergers and acquisitions that align with our strategic vision will help us accelerate our mission of making quality healthcare accessible across India," said Kannan. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

Three private schools sealed in Mau dist; authorities to prosecute their managers
Three private schools sealed in Mau dist; authorities to prosecute their managers

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

Three private schools sealed in Mau dist; authorities to prosecute their managers

1 2 Varanasi: In a crackdown on unauthorized schools, the basic education officer has ordered the closure of three private schools in Mau district. Authorities are now gearing up to prosecute the school managers for putting children's education and safety at risk Talking to TOI on Sunday, Mau DM Pravin Kumar Mishra said, "Under the ongoing statewide drive launched on the directive of the UP govt to find schools operating without recognition, the BEO has engaged his teams in each block. During the inspection in the Badraw block, the BSE's team found three schools within a 500-metre radius that were operating without proper accreditation and against standards." All these schools were closed immediately, and orders were issued to shift their students to state-run schools or other recognised schools. "We are also appealing to unrecognised schools to come forward and seek necessary recognition to avoid action," said the DM. Providing details of Saturday's action, BSE Santosh Kumar Upadhyaya said, "We found three schools, including Unique Kids School in Bhapoura, which was functioning with only two rooms and was immediately shut down. Chilton Public School had recognition for only grades 1 to 5, but was running classes up to grade 8 without nod. Little Flower English School was in a dilapidated condition, posing a risk of accidents, yet children were attending. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo All three schools were sealed and closed with the administration's help, and further legal action is being initiated against the managers and operators concerned." As per the prescribed norms, only trained graduates or those who passed the CTET can teach, said the BSE, adding that untrained teachers were found in some schools. At Unique Kids, some female teachers were using sticks while teaching, which is against the right to a safe and positive learning environment for children. After ensuring action against these three schools, officials mentioned that the students would be admitted to local or accredited schools where standards are met. The block education officer has been instructed to collect the school registers, contact the parents, and ensure the students' admissions.

78-year-old woman crushed to death by a speeding bus near Peeragarhi Metro Station
78-year-old woman crushed to death by a speeding bus near Peeragarhi Metro Station

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

78-year-old woman crushed to death by a speeding bus near Peeragarhi Metro Station

New Delhi: In a hit-and-run incident, a 78-year-old woman was crushed to death after being run over by a speeding private bus near Peeragarhi Metro Station in west Delhi's Paschim Vihar area on Sunday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The victim, identified as Sayogita, a resident of Rohtak in Haryana, was found in a severely crushed state, with police confirming she was declared dead at the hospital. According to police, a PCR call was received around 1.35 pm on July 27, reporting an accident near Orabella Banquet Hall between Metro Pillars 277 and 278, along the Nangloi-to-Peeragarhi stretch. "Acting on the information, a police team rushed to the spot and found an elderly woman lying motionless on the road. Crime and forensic teams were immediately called for inspection and documentation," said a senior police officer, adding, "Her body was in a badly crushed condition and was transported to a government hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. " During inspection of the woman's belongings, police recovered an Aadhaar card identifying her as Sayogita, wife of Bal Mukund, a resident of Haryana's Rohtak. In her purse, officers also found a small personal diary containing a handwritten mobile number. The number was dialled, and officers were able to reach out to her brother Narender (70) to inform of the incident. "Sayogita was perfectly fit and healthy. She would often visit me and my brother in Delhi, usually getting off at the Peeragarhi bus stop where buses from Rohtak arrive. Since it was Teej, and Raksha Bandhan was coming up, she decided to come for a few days and stay with us. But the only call we received from her phone was from the police, informing us of her death," her brother, Narender told TOI. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An eyewitness, Kuljeet Kumar, 60, a local resident of Peeragarhi Camp, told the police that a yellow and silver private bus with the marking 'RDT' had hit the woman and fled the scene without stopping. Based on his account and preliminary investigation, cops have registered a case under sections 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others.) and 106 (death due to negligence) of BNS at the Paschim Vihar West police station. The offending vehicle has been identified, and teams are working to apprehend the absconding driver. Investigation is ongoing.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store