Coimbatore, May 06: The total cultivated area under BT cotton in major growing states in the country has been estimated at 72,682 acres with Maharashtra topping the list at 30,699 acres during 2002-2003 season. Quoting figures provided by the BT cotton seed distributing companies Mahyco and Monsanto, sources in South India Cotton Association (SICA) said Gujarat cultivated BT cotton in 22,577 acres, followed by Andhra Pradesh in 9,404 acres and Karnataka in 5,401 acres.

Madhya Pradesh had cultivated BT cotton in 3,676 acres, while Tamil Nadu in 925 acres. However, the figures of total output were yet to be ascertained. With the Centre seeking reports from all the cotton states on BT performance, the extent of acreage that may be covered under BT Cotton during the coming season would depend on these reports, the sources said.

SICA was preparing the report with regard to Tamil Nadu, as directed by the state government, they said.

Cotton imports, the sources said, had come down to 20 lakh bales during 2002-2003 season, compared to 22.13 lakh bales in 2000-01 and 24.70 lakh bales in 2001-02. Bureau Report