Source: The Hindu Businessline via Checkbiotech

Monsanto, the multinational seed company, has launched a new variety of genetically modified (GM) cottonseed - Bollgard - in the Vidarbha region. It claims to be resistant to bollworms, a known crop pest. The product also promises to increase yield dramatically.

Monsanto has appointed Bollywood actor Nana Patekar as its brand ambassador for promoting Bollgard. He has held farmers rallies for promoting Bollgard in the region.

Patekar said, "From the product literature, I am convinced that Monsanto seeds will give a higher yield to farmers. There are many misconceptions about the seeds. But if the benefits are more, then we should use these seeds."

However, in spite of all the canvassing, the farmers seem more interested in the film star than the product itself.

There is also a strong lobby of farmers opposing GM seeds in Vidarbha. These farmers are afraid that GM seeds will wreck the environment.

Farmer and technocrat Ram Kalaspurkar of Yavatmal, who is leading the lobby against GM seeds, said seed companies such as Monsanto could control seed multiplication and obtain patent rights on seeds, which in turn could give them control over farmers.

"The cotton seeds sold by Monsanto will give a crop in first generation. The seeds from this crop, which are genetically modified, cannot be used for the next crop. They will not germinate if sown. Even if germinated, the plants would be 100-per cent sterile," Kalaspurkar said.

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