NEW DELHI: Global seed giant Monsanto on Thursday has withdrawn its application to introduce a next generation genetically modified cotton seed after a row with the Indian government, due to various regulatory hurdles.
On a related note, the government also said it has not yet given approval to GM mustard for commercial cultivation and asserted that biotechnology regulator GEAC will seek public comments on bio-safety data prepared by its sub-committee.
“Our decision to suspend this introduction in India is an outcome of the uncertainty in the business and regulatory environment, which includes the regulation of trait fees and introduction of the draft compulsory licensing guidelines,” Monsanto spokesperson said.
Monsanto sells cotton seed in India under the umbrella firm Mahyco Monsanto Biotech Limited (MMBL), a joint venture with Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds. MMBL has sub-licensed BT cotton seed technology since 2002 to various domestic seed companies.
However, the company said, “we plan to continue bringing innovative research in our businesses in corn seeds, vegetable seeds and crop protection chemistries, by providing high quality seeds and solutions to the farmers as they make their planting decisions.”
Monsanto claimed that its Bollgard cotton technologies have transformed India from a net importer in 2002 to becoming the second largest producer of cotton globally. The technology has helped farmers increase cotton yields from 302 kg per hectare lint in 2002-03 to 552 kg per hectare lint in 2013-14, thereby generating additional farm income.