New Delhi, April 4 -- The Centre's decision to raise Bt cotton seed prices ahead of the Kharif season has drawn sharp criticism from experts and farmers, who pointed to declining yields and rising pink bollworm infestations in recent years. Critics alleged that the government approved the hike without assessing the seeds' performance or consulting those most affected.

According to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on March 28, 2025, the maximum sale price for a 475-gramme packet of Bt cotton seeds - which includes 5 to 10 per cent non-Bt seeds - was fixed at Rs 635 for Bollgard I (BG-I) and Rs 901 for Bollgard II (BG-II).

While the price of BG-I remained unchanged, the cost of BG-II increased...