The domestic textile industry was upbeat about the possibilities presented by Bt cotton, even as the first commercial harvest certain Bt cotton grades has yielded good results for cotton farmers. Key textile industry players said they were convinced that BT cotton could help India improve its competitiveness in the global textiles industry.
While the total acreage under Bt cotton was currently quite low, it was expected to progressively increase. Further, with more biotech companies entering the fray, the prices of Bt seeds were expected to come down over time.
For textile industry players, this has emerged as best possible news for improved yields were expected to lead to fall in cotton prices.
Says R K Dalmia, president (textiles division), Century Textiles and Industries,
