HTBt Cotton Ban Debate: Herbicide Resistance Raises Questions Over Weed Control

Field research highlights limitations of genetically modified HTBt cotton, concerns over herbicide resistance and continued farmer use despite regulatory restrictions

A recent field-based study estimates that unauthorised genetically modified (GM) hybrids accounted for 24–30 per cent of India's cotton acreage in 2025–26, covering roughly 2–2.9 lakh hectares. The findings have renewed attention on HTBt cotton, an unauthorised herbicide-tolerant cotton technology, amid concerns about weed management, herbicide resistance and the effectiveness of existing regulations.

What Is HTBt Cotton?

India's commercially approved Bt cotton contains genes derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces proteins toxic to certain bollworm pests. Approved in 2002, Bt cotton remains the only genetically modified crop allowed for commercial cultivation in the country.

HTBt cotton combines herbicide tolerance with Bt technology, allowing farmers to spray glyphosate-based herbicides over cotton fields to control weeds. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the key issue with glyphosate application is that it can kill weeds growing alongside cotton plants.

However, conventional cotton cannot withstand such applications because the herbicide does not distinguish between the crop and weeds.

Why Is HTBt Cotton Not Allowed?

A blanket scientific finding has declared the technology inherently unsafe. Under the regulatory framework, the environmental release of GM crops requires clearance from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Environment (Protection) Act framework and the 1989 rules governing genetically engineered organisms.

HTBt cotton has been detected for years. In 2018, the government set up a Field Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee to probe reports of illegal cultivation in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The regulatory concerns are broader than simply whether the plant survives glyphosate. Authorities have sought data on herbicide use, residues, soil impacts, non-target organisms, biodiversity and the socioeconomic consequences of the technology. The GEAC process has also sought additional data on soil microflora and soil-microbe interactions, feeding studies and event-specific detection protocols.

There is widespread dependence on a single herbicide for controlling glyphosate-resistant weeds, while excessive or poorly managed herbicide use can create problems through drift and off-target damage.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has noted the broader challenge of herbicide resistance and the need for integrated weed management.

Why Farmers Continue to Use HTBt Cotton

For many cotton farmers, HTBt is primarily a weed-management technology. Labour shortages and the rising cost of manual weeding have made conventional cotton weed control increasingly expensive.

The FSI-NSAI study estimates that two-three glyphosate applications can cost Rs 750–850 per acre, compared with Rs 12,000–15,000 for manual weeding. It also found that glyphosate imports rose 29 per cent in 2025–26, while sales of legal Bt cotton seed packets declined sharply between 2022–23 and 2025–26.

Because these seeds are outside the formal regulatory and quality-control system, farmers buying them do not necessarily have the same assurances over genetic identity, seed quality or performance. The study estimates that unauthorised HTBt seed markets at 82–88 lakh packets in 2025–26, potentially worth Rs 820–880 crore.

Shifting Strategy: From Bans to Herbicide Management

The debate is shifting from a “ban versus allow” approach towards examining how glyphosate technology that is already being used can be managed.

In 2025, GEAC reassessed expert panel recommendations made by the original subcommittee. After getting its dossier, GEAC sought additional information. The Agriculture Ministry has said the issue needs to be discussed with the Environment Ministry.