In the wake of widespread destruction of Bt cotton crop due to pink bollworm attack in Karnataka, the state government has issued notices to companies which sold Bt cotton seeds to farmers this year while ordering an expert panel to estimate the extent and cause of damage.

Minister of state for agriculture, Krishna Byre Gowda told newsmen in Raichur recently that the government is aware that Bt cotton crop cultivated on vast tracts of lands in the state has been destroyed in pink bollworm attack. He said the government has issued notices to companies which had sold seeds to farmers this year.

Meanwhile, chief minister, Siddaramaiah said that the state government is awaiting a comprehensive report by an expert panel on the crop loss suffered by Bt cotton growers due to pink bollworm attack. After receiving the report the government would decide whether Bt cotton seed companies should be held responsible for the loss and how much should be released as compensation to farmers, he added.

Byre Gowda said although the affected farmers can move the consumer court claiming compensation directly from seed companies because their crop was destroyed despite claims of pest resistance, the government would also think as to how the affected farmers could be compensated.