(a) whether reports have been received that the farmers in the
country are using unlicensed Bt. cotton seeds;
(b) if so, the details thereof including its adverse impact on
the productivity of cotton as well as the interests of the farmers; and
(c) the action being taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 29 DUE FOR REPLY ON 2ND AUGUST, 2011.
(a) to (c): In the recent past Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of
Environment & Forests have received complaints regarding unlicensed/spurious Bt.
cotton seeds, the details of which along with action taken are at Annexure - I.
The overall cotton productivity in the country has increased from 463 kg lint/
ha in 2004-05 to 513.95 kg lint/ha in 2010-11 (as per Fourth Advance Estimates)
and in the same period the production has increased from 243 lakh bales to
334.25 lakh bales.
Adequate provisions are available under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
& Rules 1989 for the manufacture, use, import, export and storage of hazardous micro
organisms, genetically engineered organisms or cells, Seeds Act 1966, Seeds Rules
1968 and Seeds (Control) Order 1983 to curb the sale of fake/inferior seeds including
Bt. cotton seeds.