HYDERABAD: The Agriculture department's decision on fixing the price of Bt Cottonseed at Rs. 650 per 450 grams is snowballing into a controversy.

While the Government has warned the Bt cottonseed companies and manufacturers of appropriate action and penalties if the seed was not made available to farmers, Mahyco Monsanto Biotech (India) Limited has said that it has filed an application in the Supreme Court to stay the order.

In a letter addressed to the seed companies, Agriculture Commissioner Poonam Malakondaiah, asked the companies to ensure availability of seed at prices set in accordance with the orders issued by MRTPC failing which appropriate action would be initiated under Essential Commodities Act and Seeds (Control) Order.

Meanwhile, MMB had termed the order as "illegal and arbitrary" as they were in violation of MRTPC order.Moreover, MMB said it was given time till June 10 to respond to the MRTPC ruling. It clarified that present technology fee would remain at Rs. 900 per 450 grams.

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