From Financialexpress · Dimple Singh · · 1m 30s
India Study Finds 24-30% Cotton Area Uses Illegal GM Hybrids
A new study reveals up to 30% of India's cotton fields may be planted with unapproved GM hybrids, risking regulatory compliance.
In brief
A new study reveals up to 30% of India's cotton fields may be planted with unapproved GM hybrids, risking regulatory compliance. India's cotton fields could contain illegal GM hybrids in 24-30% of areas, detected through field studies in 2025-26. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
Study Finds Illegal GM Cotton in 24-30% of Fields
A new field-based study estimates 26.2 lakh to 29 lakh hectares, or 24% to 30% of India's cotton area, may contain unapproved GM hybrids during 2025-26.
Research Conducted by South Asia Biotechnology Centre
Researchers collected 227 geo-tagged seed and leaf samples from 984 farmers across 16 districts in Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Most Widespread Trait: cp4-epsps Gene
The cp4-epsps herbicide-tolerance gene was detected in 72.69% of samples, highest in Telangana at 88.64%.
Vip3A Gene Detected in 53.74% of Samples
The Vip3A insect-resistance gene was found in 53.74% of samples, with state-wise rates of 58.16% in Maharashtra and 38.64% in Telangana.
Farmers Use Illegal Seeds for Cost Savings
Manual weeding costs Rs 12,000-15,000 per acre, while glyphosate spraying costs Rs 750-850 per acre, creating strong incentives for illegal GM cotton.
Unauthorised GM Seed Market Grew to 82-88 Lakh Packets
The unauthorised HTBt seed market increased from 35 lakh packets in 2017-18 to 82-88 lakh packets in 2025-26, valued at Rs 820-880 crore.
Illegal GM Cotton Risks Regulatory Compliance
The study found illegal GM hybrids may not have government approval, creating compliance risks for farmers and the industry.
The big picture
India's cotton fields could contain illegal GM hybrids in 24-30% of areas, detected through field studies in 2025-26.
