In India, Monsanto Mahyco Biotech (India) Ltd (MMBL), a joint venture between Mahyco Seeds Ltd and Monsanto, licences its patented Bollgard II cotton seed technology to 49 seed companies in exchange for a royalty fee. The order, which relates to future GM traits and advances on existing GM seed technology, follows a dispute with Monsanto over the royalty and price payable for GM cotton seeds developed by the US-based company. Govt says the 18 May order for Bt cotton technology will be withdrawn and placed as a draft for public consultationThe notification regarding (licensing) guidelines for Bt cotton technology issued on 18 May will be put in the public domain for the period of 90 days, said an official statement from the agriculture ministry. The 18 May order issued by the agriculture ministry said that GM technology providers cannot deny a licence to any willing domestic seed company and royalties cannot exceed 10% of the minimum sale price. More than 90% of the cotton grown in India uses this technology.

Source: Mint May 23, 2016 09:23 UTC