‘We should definitely adopt new technology … Higher or lower yield depends on how we manage our crops’

The logjam in approval of newer genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds has catalysed planting of unauthorised seeds known as herbicide-tolerant Bt (HTBt). Vijay N Waghmare, director of the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, speaks to Vishwa Mohan on the issue: 

Is CICR investigating the use of unapproved variety of GM cotton seeds by farmers?

We had first reports on illegal cultivation of HTBt cotton in 2017 and CICR has been voluntarily collecting samples since then from farmers’ fields in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana. We tested these samples in our Bt referral lab and found 15-17% of it were of HTBt variety in 2017-18. Nearly 12-15% of the samples were found to be positive in 2018-19 in these states. The percentage, however, reduced to 5-7% in current year (2019-20). We had analysed more than 200 samples. Though I cannot say how much of the cotton areas are under HTBt, it is certainly not 20-30% as claimed by many observers. CICR has kept on sending its reports to Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

What would you advise farmers who are forced to use HTBt as their cost of production has increased substantially due to weeding problem with the authorised Bt?

Since Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which takes a call on genetically modified organism (GMO), has not approved the HTBt variety, I would suggest farmers not to go for this. It’s illegal. Besides, there are chances that the farmers may get cheated by the persons who may be supplying seeds to them. They may not be providing pure HTBt variety. Since it is not approved, there won’t be a legal remedy if crops fail due to natural calamities or due to any adverse situation in farms. Farmers must go only for approved variety so that liability can be fixed for any wrong claim.

Farmers planted HTBt seeds in June-July and started harvesting it in October. Wasn’t there any direction from the government?

GEAC had a series of meetings on the issue with state governments, CICR, ministry of agriculture and public representatives. It instructed that the illegal cultivation of HTBt should not be allowed. It also asked for punitive action against those who planted it. Couple of FIRs have been registered [against seed suppliers] and authorities even tried to prevent illegal cultivation. That’s why the percentage of positive samples reduced this year compared to 2017-18 and 2018-19.

CICR has a mandate to develop new varieties of seeds. Can’t you provide farmers with alternatives as global seed companies seem reluctant to bring in new GM technology?

Of course, we can. Besides developing 33 non-GM varieties over the years, CICR had in 2017 developed seven Bt varieties which are approved for commercial cultivation. Significant point is that the farmers can retain and reuse our seeds for two-three years unlike the currently used Bt variety (developed by a multinational company) where farmers have to buy seeds every year. Besides, our seeds will be cheaper than the current Bt variety as the farmers need not pay any royalty.

How soon will it reach cotton farmers?

We multiplied the seeds in first two years and now we have given our varieties to the Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation (Mahabeej) for further multiplication. It takes at least three years for multiplying the seeds. We have also been in touch with the National Seed Corporation as we have limited farms and we cannot take up large scale multiplication to meet the demand. We have already demonstrated it to farmers in our farms. Our varieties are not inferior to the currently available options. We have been telling farmers to grow our seeds on one acre. If other farmers see the result, they will definitely adopt it.

Is the yield in HTBt more than the legally available Bt cotton?

It’s not the case. The only difference between Bt and HTBt is that the latter has herbicide-tolerant gene. HTBt cotton is not yield increasing technology. It makes a difference only by way of reducing cost of weeding. Higher or lower yield depends on how we manage our crops. The Bt is only a support system for plant protection. If we take plant protection measures, even the non-Bt will get us higher yield. The Bt however has an advantage in terms of crop protection.

What’s your view as a scientist on GM varieties?

We should definitely adopt new technology like what we did by introducing Bt legally in 2002. It could effectively control bollworm. As a result, areas under cotton crop, production and productivity have increased substantially. Now, we have noticed that even the legally available Bt has become vulnerable to pink bollworm infestation in Gujarat, Maharashtra and southern states. On the other hand, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan don’t have this problem as these states could go for second crop after terminating cotton in October due to assured irrigation.