SC's objection to BT cotton regrettable: Pawar

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said that at a time when lakhs of cases are still pending in the court, Supreme Court's objection to the BT cotton was regrettable.
"While there are lakhs of cases pending in the court, the apex court's objection the BT cotton is regrettable," Pawar said at the golden jubilee function of Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co. Ltd (Mahyco) at Dawalwadi here.
"Those who are opposing BT cotton are not thinking in favour of farmers. BT cotton has changed the lives of farmers and increased the national income," he added.
Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Pawar said that the leaders of the new party are away from ground reality and do not understand the plight of the farmers.

"Leaders of AAP promised that they would bring down half prices of vegetables in Delhi. But, they do not understand the ground reality. Let them rule in Delhi and they would understand the reality," he said.
"Delhi is 'ajab nagri' (strange city). It is away from the ground reality. Delhi and AAP created a hue and cry over the price hike. But they do not understand the plight of farmers and the cost of production of the crops," he added.
Lauding the UPA government for bringing the Food Security Act, he said, "For the Act to be implemented in true spirit, we need to increase our food production by enhancing agriculture research."

According to the NCP chief, India is exporting cotton, wheat, and sugar, however, lagging behind in the production of oil and pulses.