ANGRAU Releases Public-Sector BT Cotton Variety Aditya BG-2

New cotton variety developed by ANGRAU scientists recommended for cultivation across southern states

Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Thursday released Aditya BG-2, a new BT cotton variety developed by scientists at Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU). The variety has been recommended for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

According to university scientists, Aditya BG-2 is expected to deliver yields of 32-35 quintals per hectare while maintaining high productivity in cotton cultivation. The variety was formally introduced during a minister’s camp attended by university vice chancellor PV Satyanarayana.

Variety Developed by Public-Sector Scientists

Describing the significance of the new release, Atchannaidu said Aditya BG-2 is the first BT cotton variety developed in the public sector in Andhra Pradesh and is expected to reduce farmers’ dependence on expensive private-sector seeds.

The variety was developed after nine years of research and extensive national-level trials. Following the expiry of BT technology patent rights, Aditya BG-2 received approval from the national seed release committee.

Yield Potential and Seed Reuse Benefit

Scientists said one of the key features of Aditya BG-2 is that it is a straight variety rather than a hybrid. This allows farmers to save seeds from harvested crops and reuse them in subsequent seasons, helping lower annual seed costs.

The seeds were distributed at the minister’s camp following the release event.

Resistance to Major Cotton Pests

Researchers stated that Aditya BG-2 has resistance to major bollworms, including gram pod borer and tobacco caterpillar. The variety also offers tolerance against sucking pests such as aphids and whiteflies.