# 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.
- Title: India Study Finds 24-30% Cotton Area Uses Illegal GM Hybrids
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: india, cotton, gm hybrids, illegal, federation of seed industry of india, national seed association of india, south asia biotechnology centre, cp4-epsps, vip3a, glyphosate, bollworm, business
- Source: Financialexpress — https://financialexpress.com/india-news/up-to-30-of-indias-cotton-area-under-illegal-gm-hybrids-study/4356920
- Author: Dimple Singh
- Published: 2026-10-08T17:30:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, cotton, gm hybrids, illegal, federation of seed industry of india, national seed association of india, south asia biotechnology centre, cp4-epsps, vip3a, glyphosate, bollworm, business
## 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.
## Key takeaway

India's cotton fields could contain illegal GM hybrids in 24-30% of areas, detected through field studies in 2025-26.