The government of Maharashtra has directed the companies selling hybrid
cotton seeds to specify in detail the technology used in production of seeds
on the pack. Seed companies in Maharashtra and other cotton producing
states have expressed displeasure at this decision.
Dilip Zende, director, quality control, Department of Agriculture,
Maharashtra, told FE that the decision has been taken to empower farmers
and give them the opportunity to bargain for better prices with dealers
depending on the method of production used by companies. One of the
methods is more expensive than others, and therefore, farmers should get
the benefit.
From the next cotton season (Kharif 2021), seed companies will have to
mention whether hybrid cotton seeds have been produced by the
conventional emasculation method or the male sterility technique, he said.
The emasculation method is much more expensive than the male sterility
technique, Zende explained.
Indra Shekhar Singh, director (policy and outreach) of National Seed
Association of India, said there is no clarity in how farmers will benefit by
such a move. What advantage farmers will have by knowing that a particular
packet of seeds has been produced by using a certain technology,” he asked.
The data which are being sought to be printed on the packets, are already
with the government.
Source: The Financial Express, Bangladesh Friday, 20 November 2020