MRP for BT Cotton Seeds Likely to be Announced Soon

24-Mar-2026 04:31 PM

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Agriculture is expected to announce the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for BT cotton seeds shortly, as sowing operations in some states may commence as early as next month. The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for cotton seed varieties—specifically Bollgard-1 and Bollgard (BG)-2—is fixed by the government.

Based on past trends, the likelihood of an increase in the MRP for cotton seeds during the current year is considered very low; however, a final decision regarding this matter will be taken at a high level.

For the 2024-25 season, the MRP for Bollgard-2 was fixed at ₹864 per packet (each packet containing 450 grams); subsequently, for the 2025-26 season, this price was raised by ₹36 to be set at ₹900 per packet. As for Bollgard-1, its MRP has remained constant at ₹635 per packet for the past 10 years. It is noteworthy that the government implemented price controls for BT cotton seeds starting in the year 2016.

During the 2018-19 season, the MRP for Bollgard-2 was fixed at ₹710 per packet, and it was maintained at the same level in the 2019-20 season. Compared to the 2023-24 season, the MRP saw an increase of only 1 percent during the 2024-25 season; however, in the 2025-26 season,

it was raised by more than 4 percent. Even if there is no increase in the MRP, it is unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on the indigenous seed industry during the 2026-27 season.