Herbicide-tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton is once again at the centre of India’s cotton policy debate. Although the technology is not approved for commercial cultivation, its use has reportedly spread across major cotton-growing regions.

A recent study commissioned by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and the National Seed Association of India (NSAI) estimates that unauthorised genetically modified cotton hybrids covered 24–30% of India’s cotton acreage in 2025–26. This represents approximately 26.2–29 lakh hectares.

What Is HTBt Cotton?

Conventional Bt cotton contains genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. These genes help protect cotton plants against certain bollworm pests.

HTBt cotton adds another feature: tolerance to glyphosate-based herbicides. Farmers can spray the herbicide over the crop to control weeds while the cotton plant survives.

India approved Bt cotton for commercial cultivation in 2002. However, HTBt cotton has not received the necessary commercial approval.

Why Is HTBt Cotton Not Approved?

India requires genetically modified crops to undergo regulatory assessment before commercial cultivation. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) evaluates environmental and biosafety concerns under the applicable regulatory framework.

HTBt cotton has not received commercial clearance. Therefore, its unauthorised cultivation and sale remain outside the approved regulatory system.

Authorities have sought additional scientific data on soil microorganisms, feeding studies, herbicide use and detection methods. They have also raised concerns about potential effects on non-target organisms and the wider environment.

Repeated use of glyphosate may also encourage herbicide-resistant weeds. Poorly managed spraying can damage nearby crops and other plants.

Why Are Farmers Using HTBt Cotton?

For many farmers, weed control is a major challenge. Labour shortages and rising wages have increased the cost of manual weeding.

The FSII-NSAI-backed study estimates that two to three glyphosate applications cost around ₹750–850 per acre. In comparison, manual weeding can cost approximately ₹12,000–15,000 per acre.

These cost differences help explain the reported spread of unauthorised HTBt cotton. Farmers are attracted to the prospect of lower weeding costs and reduced dependence on manual labour.

However, unauthorised seeds may not offer the same quality and genetic identity assurances as approved varieties.

What Lies Ahead for HTBt Cotton?

The government’s review process could shape the future of HTBt cotton in India. In 2025, GEAC reconstituted an expert committee to examine a proposal from Mahyco and assess the technology’s risks.

The committee submitted its findings, after which GEAC sought further information, including soil-microbe data and validated detection protocols.

The issue now involves balancing farmers’ weed-management needs with environmental protection, seed quality and regulatory compliance. Any decision on commercial approval will depend on the relevant scientific assessments and government processes.

For India’s cotton industry, the challenge is to address farmers’ practical concerns while ensuring that new agricultural technologies meet established safety and regulatory requirements.