HYDERABAD: Ruling out the possibility of any shortage of Bt cottonseed, Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy said here on Friday that arrangements had been made to sell 20-lakh packets to farmers in the State.

"We are hopeful of doubling the area under Bt cotton up this year," Mr. Reddy said addressing a press conference here on Thursday.

The total area under Bt cotton was 25 lakh acres last year, he said, adding 5.50 lakh packets were sold to farmers.

Steps had been taken to make the seed available at a price below Rs. 750 a packet to each farmer.

Major companies dealing with Bt cotton had agreed to peg their rates below Rs. 750 a packet. Three more companies — Proagro, Raasi and Mahyco — agreed to sell the cottonseed packets at the same rates, he said.

Warning dealers against cheating cotton growers, he said those found guilty would not be spared.

Two criminal cases had already been registered against dealers in Kurnool district for selling fake seeds and companies were forced to pay compensation of Rs. 3.50 crores to farmers, who lost their crops in Warangal district.

He advised farmers to purchase only certified seed and obtain a receipt.

Fight against Monsanto

Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said the Government's fight against Monsanto would continue in the Apex Court.

Referring to his recent tour abroad, Mr. Reddy said the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) had agreed to establish a cell in Acharya N.G. Ranga Agriculture University.

He said ANGRAU would patent its new crop findings and technological advances.

"By doing so we intend to get royalty on the patented products," he added.

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