BG cotton seed prices up but discounts likely due to abundant supply
1
2
Nagpur: Though rates of
BG cotton seeds
have gone up to Rs901 per packet, a hike of Rs35 compared to last year, they are expected to be still available at a discount this
kharif season
due to abundant availability.
BG cotton is genetically modified variety resistant to pink bollworm, a major pest that attacks the crop. The rates are fixed by govt, and there have been years when a hike was implemented.
Cotton, due to its variations in price and output, is linked to agrarian crisis in the region. Any change in the prices makes a difference to the farmers from Vidarbha, as western districts of the region form one of the prominent cotton-growing belts of the country.
Traders, including members of Nagpur Agro Dealers Association, told TOI that supply is abundant because of a favourable season throughout the cotton-growing parts of the country. "Seed companies produce the seeds in farm blocks belonging to private growers. Good weather ensured enough output," said a trader in Nagpur, adding due to excessive supply, traders may woo farmers with discount.
However, traders also accept that grey market of herbicide-tolerant (HT) seeds eats away their business. BG cotton seeds are only resistant to bollworm. HT seeds are also resistant to weed killer, which saves labour costs. Though not approved for commercial use, farmers prefer to buy HT seeds illegally, said traders. The matter has been raised with authorities from time to time, they say.
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