(a) whether it is a fact that un-approved hybrids of BT Cotton is being cultivated in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether the Government is preparing to conduct an in-depth investigation on the availability of such non-permitted BT Cotton seeds in the country and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a): Yes, Madam. State Governments of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra have reported some incidences of cultivation of unapproved hybrids of BT Cotton in farmer’s fields.
(b): Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare has issued advisory to all cotton growing states to take all possible measure as per law to control and curb the cultivation of non-permitted BT Cotton seed.
Moreover, in order to investigate the availability of such non-permitted BT Cotton seeds in the country, Field Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee under Department of Bio-Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology has been constituted.
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