The Balangir district administration is going to take steps to check entry of Bt cotton seeds into the district this year and to ensure that farmers should cultivate the approved variety hybrid Bt cotton seeds.
This was revealed by district Collector Dr M Muthukumar in an informal chat with this correspondent on Friday. This year, it is targeted that cotton cultivation in Balangir district will br undertaken in 36,500 hectares of land which requires around 1 lakh packets of cotton seeds.
The Collector said, “I will allow the approved variety of BT cotton seeds to be cultivated in the district. The seed dealers in the district have agreed to provide around 44,000 packets of hybrid seeds. There is a shortfall of 55,000 packets of seeds. Talks have been initiated with other companies and institutions to ensure supply of hybrid cotton seeds. I would see that the Bt cotton seeds coming from Kalahandi and other border districts is checked. Action would be taken against any company promoting Bt cotton seeds in this district.”