NEW DELHI: The response to transgenic Bt cotton has been favourable and about seven more companies are preparing to release their genetically modified cotton hybrids for commercial use shortly, a study conducted by Rabobank International says.

The study also forecasts further consolidation of Indian seed industry, which is already among the top 10 in the world, with small players either exiting the market or being acquired by larger players.

Quoting industry sources, the study says Mahendra and Paras of the Emergent group, Nath Seeds, Ankur Seeds, Ajeet Seeds, Raasi Seeds, Krishi Dhan and Nuziveedu Seeds are preparing to release their Bt cotton hybrids for commercialisation by 2006.

While Nath is sourcing the gene from Biocentury Transgene Company, a Chinese firm, the other players have entered into sublicensing agreements with Monsanto.

Bt Cotton was developed and first commercially launched in India by Mahyco-Monsanto last year.

The study says in near future multinational companies could invest more to develop or outsource capabilities in transgenic technologies.

The recent reports on the performance of Bt cotton suggest that the response has been fairly acceptable and that the technology can offer the farmer a net cost benefit, it says. A significant decrease in the total production of cotton this year does, however, leave the real merit of the technology as yet untested, it adds.

Insecticide consumption will depend on the acreage of Bt cotton over the next few years, it said.

PTI[ FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2003 12:32:14 PM ]