The patent held by Monsanto India over its Bollgard-II Bt cotton seed technology is decreed unenforceable in the country. Photo: ReutersIn a new twist to the debate on Bt cotton seeds and genetically modified technology, the Delhi high court has ruled that plant varieties and seeds cannot be patented under Indian law. As a consequence the patent held by Monsanto’s Indian arm over its Bollgard-II Bt cotton seed technology is decreed unenforceable in the country, reports Mint. If passed on to the farmers, the prices of Bt cotton seeds will come down by a similar amount—from Rs740 to Rs700 per packet. Nevertheless, if upheld by the Supreme Court, the verdict can end monopolies (in terms of companies owning crops such as Bt cotton), says G.V.

Source: Mint April 13, 2018 03:00 UTC