HTBT Cotton seeds being pushed in Gadwal and Adilabad; Rythu Commission Chairman Kodanda Reddy cautions farmers

Rythu Commission Chairman M. Kodanda Reddy cautioned farmers against the use of banned Herbicide Tolerant Bt (HTBT) cotton seeds and excessive application of glyphosate weed killer, warning that they pose serious risks to agriculture, soil health and human safety.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mr. Kodanda Reddy said that HTBT cotton seeds, which are produced by multinational companies, have been banned by the Central government.

Mr. Reddy said regions such as Gadwal and parts of Mahabubnagar district, where cotton cultivation is extensive, are now witnessing attempts to push HTBT cotton seeds. He explained that these seeds are designed to withstand glyphosate weedicide, which kills weeds effectively. However, both HTBT cotton seeds and glyphosate have been banned by the Centre, he reiterated.

He further stated that information had come to the notice of the Commission that there were attempts to sell these banned seeds and herbicides in Adilabad district.

He said farmers are increasingly using glyphosate in large quantities. “Excessive spraying of glyphosate makes the soil toxic,” he warned and appealed to farmers not to use glyphosate-based weed killers under any circumstances.

Mr. Kodanda Reddy urged cultivators to remain vigilant and avoid banned seeds and chemicals that could jeopardise their livelihoods and long-term soil fertility. He recalled that multinational corporations had earlier attempted to aggressively market genetically modified (GM) seeds in India in 2006 but were opposed by the farmers organisations.

Mr. Reddy also raised concerns over global seed companies, particularly those based in the United States. He alleged that these companies conduct tests abroad, obtain certifications there, and then attempt to supply the seeds to Indian farmers without adequate local scrutiny.