Contrary to reports in the Indian press of possible state subsidy for Bt cotton in India, the government says that it is not implementing any programme to promote its cultivation. As per information provided by the Kanti Lal Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture, to date, Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop that has been approved for commercial cultivation in India. It is planted on an area of 12.9 million acres (5.1 million ha). Bt cotton seed of 167 hybrids is produced and marketed by 25 private seed companies at prices ranging from Rs 750 ($19) to Rs 900 per 450 g packet. The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee has also approved the field testing of GM rice, okra, aubergines, tomatoes, potatoes and peanuts. Of these, testing of GM rice, okra and aubergines have been initiated.
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