Farmers in India can now commercially grow genetically modified (GM) cotton. India through its Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), has approved the release of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton into the environment subject to certain conditions. This event is perceived as a significant milestone for Indian agriculture as it is the country's first GM crop to be grown on a commercial scale.

The GEAC, under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, approved the commercial release of three
transgenic hybrid cottons developed by the Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (Mahyco) in collaboration with Monsanto Company. These three hybrids are Mech-12, Mech-162 and Mech-184. A three-year approval period starting April 2002 to March 2005 was given to the three hybrids. A decision on a fourth hybrid, Mech-915, was deferred pending the submission of its evaluation report.

GEAC chairman A.M. Gokhale said that conditions were being "fine tuned." Some of the conditions that Mahyco would need to comply with include having to provide information on the quantity of seeds
produced, names of individual distributors/dealers and quantities sold along season-wise acreages under each hybrid. In addition, Mahyco will have to monitor and report incidence of any resistance build-up or second generation susceptibility of the crop to the target insect pest as well as possible negative impact of pollen transfer to neighboring fields.

Farmers accessing Mahyco's seeds are required to plant at least 20 per cent of their field areas under
non-Bt cotton hybrids or varieties. Gokhale clarified that "farmers have to plant a minimum of five rows
along the periphery of their field or 20 per cent of the total area, whichever is higher, with non-Bt cotton.
This area would act as a refuge for the bollworm and will ensure that the Bt cotton does not become
susceptible over time to the pest." The requirement for the "refuge area" would lie with the farmer and
not with the company.

Gokhale added that the decision to clear the three Bt cotton hybrids "was totally unanimous with none of the members expressing dissent either verbally or in writing".