Indian state lifts ban on Mahyco’s Bt cotton seeds

Date:06-25-2013

The Indian state of Maharashtra has lifted the ban on sale of Bt Cotton seeds supplied by Mahyco Seeds for the coming Kharif season "in public interest". The ban was imposed last year with the Agriculture Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil being upset over the company allegedly for "not furnishing its marketing plan and failing to fulfil the seeds distribution obligation".

"The company appealed before me for lifting of the ban. We have granted them permission to distribute seeds for the coming Kharif season as interim relief under certain terms and conditions," state Agriculture Commissioner Umakant Dangat. "There has been demand for their certain seeds in the market. So we took the decision in public interest." Mahyco had moved the High Court against the government's order last year.

On the HC case, Dangat said, "I am the appellate authority. The HC doesn't grant relief when an appellate authority is available for redressal. So, the HC told them to approach me. We agreed to consider the case, so they withdrew their case from the HC."

Asked what are the terms and conditions, Dangat said, "They have to supply 10 lakh packets this season and give us a detailed plan for the same. They also have to ensure that the seeds are sold at scheduled prices and no dealer will sell it at inflated prices. Last year there was a gap between the demand and supply.