The Hindu Business Line : Bt cotton seeds to be sold at Rs 750, 925

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Hyderabad Feb. 23 In a major decision that would benefit farmers in the cotton growing States, the Indian Seed Industry Association (INSIA) has decided to sell Bt-I (Bollgard-I) at Rs 750 and Bt-II (Bollgard-II) at Rs 925 (including VAT and Services Taxes) a packet this kharif season.

The decision followed the insistence of the Andhra Pradesh Government to sell even the Bt-II seeds below Rs 1,000. At one point, the Government even contemplated to move the MRTPC (Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission) again on the issue.

The members of the association had conveyed the decision to Ms Poonam Malakondaiah, Commissioner of Agriculture.

She assured the association that the Government would pursue the issue of VAT and services tax with the Centre to exempt taxes on the product. "It will further help reduce the seed price down to Rs 875 (Bt-II)," an official said.

Last year, the seed companies were made to sell Bt-I seeds at Rs 750 a packet after the Government and a farmers' association moved the MRTPC challenging the high price (Rs 1,850) charged by the companies.

Even as the farmers are gearing up for this kharif season, the issue of pricing came to the fore as the Mahyco-Monsanto launched Bt-II and pegged the price at around Rs 1,400.

More Stories on : Seeds | Bio-tech & Genetics | Andhra Pradesh

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