India’s own Bt cotton is set for commercial release. The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the apex body for granting clearances to genetically modified crops, in its meeting on May 2, granted permission for the commercial release of Bikaner Narma (BN) Bt variety, developed by Nagpur’s Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), in the north, central and south regions. The CICR’s Bt cotton is a variety and not a hybrid. So, the farmers will be able to replicate it on their farms rather than buy fresh seeds every season unlike the hybrids they have been buying ever since Bt cotton was allowed in the country. Moreover, the CICR variety will be available at much cheaper rates to farmers. In 2005, CICR scientists had successfully developed their own protocol (method) for a primary transgenic variety. Using what is called as as meristem culture, they had introduced the Cry1 Ac Bt gene in the famous Rajasthan variety called Bikaner Narma. The variety was tested for all requirements across the country. The scientists had also introduced the gene in three other varieties—LRA 1566, LRK 516 and RG 8 (Desi cotton). These are still under trials in various parts of the country. When contacted, GEAC co-chairman C D Mayee told The Indian Express: “The CICR effort was on for several years and this is for the first time in the country that a variety is being released. It will be available at a low price and the farmers will be able to replicate it themselves.” But with the latest cotton season just a few days ahead, the seeds of the new variety will be available to farmers only the next season. CICR acting Director Keshav Kranthi said the CICR will now start production of the seeds and will try to make it available to a large number of farmers by next season.
