GM Cotton Seeds Under Watch: Agriculture Department Alerts 13 Districts

Centre Seeks Action Against Unauthorised GM Cotton Seed Circulation Across Karnataka

The Agriculture Department has placed 13 districts, most of them in north Karnataka, on alert over the circulation of unauthorised genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds. The move follows a request from the Centre asking the state government to take action against those violating existing regulations.

The Agriculture Department has alerted 13 districts, largely located in north Karnataka, regarding the circulation of unauthorised genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds after the Centre sought action against violations of the rules.

GM cotton seeds, particularly those developed to resist cotton bollworms through a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) bacteria, have witnessed both significant adoption and controversy in India over the years. Concerns surrounding their use have been linked to agrarian challenges and farmer distress, especially in Maharashtra and parts of north Karnataka.

Under existing regulations, only GM cotton seeds approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) for commercial release can be sold in the country.

However, the Centre has sought intervention following reports and inputs regarding illegal seeds being distributed through various channels. These reports reportedly originated from multiple sources, including media reports and inputs from certain stakeholders.

In a letter dated May 27, Agriculture Department Director G T Putra referred to a communication from the Centre and instructed all joint directors to conduct surprise inspections and verify activities in GM seed-producing areas, ginning and processing units, storage locations, and markets.

“Confirm that all the cotton seed packets contain mandatory labelling and clear details of the producer and marketer. Ensure traceability, and spread awareness among the farmers on the importance of purchasing only verified and approved seeds,” Putra said, directing officials to take the help of the police where necessary and submit a detailed report on the actions taken.

The directive follows a letter issued by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in April.

“Such (unauthorised) seeds are reportedly being distributed through informal channels, in some cases without proper labelling or traceable details of the producer and marketer,” Joint Secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu said.

The Centre has instructed states to monitor and regulate the production, processing, storage, distribution and sale of cotton seeds within their jurisdictions.

“States may consider undertaking targeted and risk-based inspections of seed production areas,” it said.

Sources stated that complaints have been received over the past few years alleging that unapproved herbicide-tolerant cotton seeds were being sold in the market.

Farmers have reportedly been seeking herbicide-tolerant seeds as a response to labour shortages in the agriculture sector.