Demands to lift India's ban on the use of herbicide-tolerant Bt (HTBT) cotton are increasing.

Several farmer organizations argue that the government needs to take action in this regard to avoid the annual illegal sale of such seeds of this cotton variety. HTBT is the third generation of genetically modified (GM) cotton herbicide tolerant (Ht).

This issue came to light after Akola County authorities decided to file a complaint against a group of farmers planting banned HTBT cotton to highlight their demand for access to new technology.

Despite the current ban, HTBTs are cultivated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, as farmers claim the hybrid is cutting huge amounts of money. Recently appointed Minister of Agriculture Anil Bond said: “I will discuss with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis whether the ban on HTBT cotton can be lifted.”

Leading agricultural activist and chairman of the Vasantrao Naik Sheti Swavalamban (VNSSM) mission, Kishore Tiwari, said farmers should have the freedom to use technology without harming public health.

“The use of HTBT cotton should not have an adverse environmental impact. In addition, allowing HTBT cotton to grow, companies engaged in its production and supply should not have a monopoly, ”said the agricultural activist.

The leader of the Svabhimani Shetkari farmers union, Sanghatan Manik Kadam, said the government needs to lift the ban on HTBT cotton seeds as soon as they are currently sold illegally and are widely used in various areas of Maharashtra.

“HTBT cotton seeds are currently priced at Rs 1,500 (US $ 24.64) for 750. If the ban is lifted, the price will be halved and farmers will be able to ask the state government for compensation in the event of a crop failure,” said the leader of the farmers union.