Monsanto’s Bollgard-II Bt cotton seed technology, a GM variant, resists the bollworm pest. Photo: ReutersNew Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that Monsanto’s patent claim on genetically modified (GM) Bt. As a result, the patent held by Monsanto, through its Indian arm Mahyco-Monsanto Biotech Ltd (MMBL) over its Bollgard-II Bt cotton seed technology, a GM variant which resists the bollworm pest, was decreed to be unenforceable in India. At present, trait fees on Bt cotton seeds are decided by a price control committee under the agriculture ministry. Monsanto had appealed the order in the Supreme Court.

Source: Mint January 08, 2019 05:58 UTC