NEW DELHI: The Centre has announced a fixed maximum selling price for Bt cotton seed packets for the 2026–27 season, following recommendations from an expert committee.
To regulate these seed prices, the government has invoked powers under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 and the Cotton Seeds Price (Control) Order of 2015.
This price regulation applies to standard packets weighing 475 grams, which contain a small percentage (5–10%) of non-Bt seeds, known as refugia. This measure is intended to delay the development of pest resistance and protect the effectiveness of crops over time.
By regulating seed prices and incorporating refugia, government aims to ensure accessibility while maintaining oversight of use of biotechnology.In a related development, Vijay Jawandhia, a prominent farmer leader from
Maharashtra’s Shetkari Sanghtana, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a reduction in the price of cotton seeds and the promotion of traditional indigenous cotton (straight line variety). This variety allows farmers to save and reuse seeds, unlike hybrid and Bt cotton seeds produced by private companies, which cannot be reused.
Jawandhia reminded the Prime Minister of his past promise to promote the straight line variety of cotton. "After my request through a letter in 2015, you responded that India could promote the straight line variety. Sadly, even after 11 years, this has not happened," he stated in his letter.
He also cited Pakistan as an example, where private companies provide three-gene seeds at lower prices, while Indian private companies offer only two-gene seeds at higher prices. Jawandhia urged the Prime Minister to take action to prevent cotton farmers from falling into a debt trap.