Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (Mahyco) will have to wait a little longer for undertaking large-scale cultivation of transgenic BT Cotton since the genetic engineering approval committee (GEAC) has decided to further extend field trials for the crop, saying the yield data and the net agronomic advantage could not reflect the true values of the genetically modified seed.
Mahyco had sought environment clearance for large-scale cultivation of controversial transgenic Bt cotton. The BT cotton has attracted opposition in the country from various non-governmental organisations which claim that it is harmful for human health as well as the environment.
Though, admitting that BT cotton hybrids generally performed better in terms of requirement of lesser sprays and insecticides, the committee said,
