Govt fixing seed price not good for BT: Monsanto

Bangalore, June 9 (UNI) Governments should not interfere in fixing the price of seeds sold by private companies as it was not good for the future of biotechnology in the country, controversial genetically modified seeds producer Monsanto Managing Director Felipe Osorio said today.

''It is unfortunate that a confusing situation is created regarding the pricing of Bt cotton hybrid seeds and this is not in the interest of the Indian farmer. Monsanto wants to ensure that the country's farmers get enough quantity of quality Bt seeds.

Andhra Pradesh has taken an unprecedented step in fixing the price for Bt seeds. I hope the Supreme Court will take a decision on this,'' he told a press conference here.

Mr Osorio clarified that Bt seeds were not sold in India at a high price, compared to China. ''It actually costs between Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,200 in China for each packet of Bollgard Bt cotton seeds weighing 450 gm, and not as reported in the media. In India, the seed is being sold at Rs 900.'' He said the company was ready for a dialogue over the controversy of fixing price. ''We are open for discussions on all contentiouos matters. Actually we want a dialogue to be held. However, we have not been invited for any talks,'' he added.

Incidentally, the Andhra Pradesh Government had invited Agriculture Ministers of all the Southern States for a meeting, with the pricing of Bt cotton seeds high on the agenda.

MORE UNI RS GD TS1608