Archive · 28 Jun 2025
Farmers in Maharashtra Opt for Illegal HTBt Cotton
Farmers in Maharashtra are using a new type of cotton called HTBt, which is not allowed by the government.
HTBt helps get rid of weeds at a much lower cost than regular cotton.
This new type of cotton lets farmers spray a special chemical to kill weeds, which is cheaper than paying people to pull them out.
Even though it is illegal, farmers are using it because it saves them a lot of money.
The government is concerned about this because it is not properly regulated.
Maharashtra farmers are increasingly using illegal HTBt cotton due to lower costs.
HTBt cotton allows resistance to herbicide glyphosate for weed control, reducing labor needs.
Weed control with Bt cotton costs approximately ₹20,000 per acre, while HTBt costs ₹2,000.
The government prohibits the sale, production, and storage of HTBt cotton.
Seed companies estimate that HTBt cotton is cultivated on 15-20% of the 120 lakh hectares of cotton-growing area.
- Who
- Cotton farmers in Maharashtra.
- What
- Farmers in Maharashtra are using illegal HTBt cotton.
- When
- Over the last few years.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- Because it reduces weed control costs significantly compared to Bt cotton.
Farmers' Perspective
Seed Industry Officials' Perspective
Cost-Effectiveness vs. Legality
Farmers' Perspective
Farmers find HTBt cotton more economically viable due to lower weed control costs.
Seed Industry Officials' Perspective
Seed industry officials are concerned about the lack of regulations.
- HTBt Cost (Weed Control)
- ₹2,000 per acre
- Bt Cotton Cost (Weed Control)
- Over ₹20,000 per acre
- Cotton-growing Area
- 120 lakh hectares
- HTBt Cotton Cultivation Estimate
- 15-20% of the cotton-growing area
- Daily Wage of Labourer
- ₹300