Question : Unapproved Traits in BT Cotton Seeds

(a) whether transgenic herbicide/ glyphosate tolerant trait genes are used by several BT cotton seed production companies, if so, the facts in this regard;

(b) whether the production of BT cotton seeds with unapproved genes is taking place in several States and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government had set up Field Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee;

(d) if so, whether the aforesaid committee has submitted its preliminary report to the Government;

(e) if so, the findings thereof and the action taken thereon; and

(f) if not, the time by which the aforesaid committee will submit its report?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) & (b): Yes Madam, State Government of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Maharashtra have reported some incidences of cultivation of unapproved herbicide tolerant Bt. Cotton at farmers’ field during the year 2017-18.

(c): In order to investigate the matter of production of BT cotton seeds with unapproved genes in the country “Field Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee” (FISEC) has been constituted by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

(d) to (f): As reported by Department of Biotechnology, the committee has submitted the report on 1st June, 2018. The report says that unapproved HT cotton was grown on an average in 15% area in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana while 5% in Punjab during 2017-18 season. All major cotton growing states have been directed to take stringent measures to control and curb the spread of HT cotton.

State Governments have taken action like filing of FIR(s), seizure of stocks and issuance of show cause notices to the companies.
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