Bollworms, genetic revolution failure sting Vidarbha's cotton farmers

Another vital compensation component that fixes responsibility on seed firms for reneging on claims of pest resistance was barely implemented

With the onset of a steady monsoon, farmers of water-starved Vidarbha in north-eastern Maharashtra are getting ready to sow cotton. But Tejrao Bhakre, 57, of Goregaon Budruk village in Akola district, has no means to start treating seeds or putting together the seed drill to plough his 4-acre farm.

The tall farmer, clad in the white pajama-kurta-topi ensemble typical of rural Maharashtra, is saddled with a bank loan for Rs 80,000 which is three years overdue. He can’t seek fresh credit.

“All my bank and cooperative society accounts