India allows genetically modified cotton

BANGALORE, India -- India on Friday approved cultivation of genetically modified cotton in its fertile northern region, rejecting demands from anti-biotechnology activists.

The government's Genetic Engineering Approval Committee permitted six varieties of so-called BT cotton seeds, based on technology from U.S.-based agribusiness Monsanto Co., for the northern states of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, a senior government official said on condition of anonymity.

The official, who was present at the committee's meeting in New Delhi, said the decision will expand the scope of gene-modified cultivation in India, which until now has been allowed only in six southern and central states.

BT stands for bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium whose gene is injected into cotton seeds to give them resistance against boll worms, a major concern for farmers in India.

The environmental group Greenpeace immediately criticized the decision.

"We are disappointed by the government decision to expand the region under BT cotton, while the need was to stop where it was already grown," said Greenpeace campaigner Divya Raghunandan.

Greenpeace claims that BT cotton crops have failed, plunging farmers into financial problems, a claim dismissed by manufacturers.

The committee official said a decision was deferred on renewing licenses for three varieties of BT cotton sold by St. Louis-based Monsanto's Indian partners. The licenses for those varieties, given in 2002, will expire later this month.

Season approaches

India's cotton season begins in June, and Monsanto's partners need license renewals to start selling this year.

Monsanto's spokeswoman for India, Ranjana Smetacek, said she wasn't aware of Friday decision. "We know the GEAC met today, but we are still awaiting formal notification," she said.

Monsanto's BT cotton technology has been licensed to several companies which are allowed to sell their seeds in six southern and central states. So far, genetically modified cotton was banned in the northern regions, though farmers there illegally planted BT cotton.

The six seeds approved Friday had been developed by Monsanto's Indian partners Mahyco-Monsanto, Ankur Seeds and Rasi Seeds, Raghunandan said.

Monsanto's BT cotton is the only genetically modified crop allowed in India, a reluctant entrant into the world of biotechnology. Ever since three varieties of the seed were given three-year licenses in 2002, the company has faced stiff opposition from environmental groups. But it managed to get approval for one more strain in 2004.

Critics say the adverse effects of GM seeds have not been studied adequately, that the seeds are environmentally hazardous and could contaminate the genes of native varieties through cross pollination, eventually making farmers poorer.

However, advocates of genetic modification say it helps fight plant diseases, increase yield and improves the nutritive value of food crops.

Monsanto shares rose $2.61, or 4.4 percent, to close at $61.63 in Friday trading on the New York Stock Exchange, setting a new 52-week high.

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On the Net:

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