The Maharashtra government today recommended CBI probe into the presence of 'herbicide tolerant genes' in certain varieties of Bt cotton seeds.
Bt cotton seeds with herbicide tolerant genes are not allowed to be sold in the country, but during a probe of recent pesticide poisoning deaths in Maharashtra, it was found that such seeds are available in the market.
"After the tragic incidents of pesticide poisoning in Yavatmal district (which is part of a 'cotton belt'), a detailed study was done by the Central Institute of Cotton Research," a statement from the chief minister's office said here.
Among other things, the report noted that herbicide tolerant genes are found in the Bt cotton seeds of five companies, which is not permissible under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, it said.
A First Information Report has been registered against these five companies at Nagpur, the CMO statement said.
"But it is also found that such type of seeds are being produced in many other states too, and due to the seriousness of the issue, the Government of Maharashtra has sent a request to the Government of India seeking a detailed CBI inquiry," it said.
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