India extends cottonseed as essential commodity

The Indian Union Cabinet recently approved the extension of cottonseed's validity as an essential commodity beyond the initial period of six months by another six months from June 22, onwards.

The extension would help the government regulate production, quality and distribution of cottonseed and also curb the sale and spread of spurious varieties for another six months, said Ambika Soni, Minister for Information and Broadcasting.

The production, distribution and quality control of cottonseed is regulated by provisions of the Seed Control Order, 1983, to check unregulated trade practices. Once the Seed Bill is passed by Parliament, cottonseeds will be governed by its provisions and the notification of cottonseeds under the Essential Commodities Act will be withdrawn, she said.