The department of biotechnology (DBT) has invited applications for consideration by the standing committee for commercialization of Bt cotton hybrids under Event Based Approval Mechanism (EBAM). The applications for commercial release of Bt cotton hybrids expressing approved events under EBAM may be submitted to member secretary (EBAM), RCGM Secretariat for consideration in the next meeting of the standing committee scheduled to be held on March 20,2014.
The applications for a maximum of two Bt cotton hybrids per applicant per zone or state may be submitted for North, Central and South Zones by March 14, 2013 with the following information on confirmation of gene/ event through molecular characterization by the licencor stating that the gene/s being used is one of the approved events (LOC in original.
Also the other information that has to be provided includes the level of protein expression in green house and field trials; orphological characters using DUS descriptors as per PPVF&RA guidelines for the hybrids as well as parental lines; bio-efficacy data generated in laboratory conditions; authorization certificate/ No Objection Certificate (NOC) in original from technology provider in case of sub-licensee; affidavits duly signed by the Notary on Stamp Paper.
Also each application shall contain data pertaining to single hybrid only as inclusion of a lot of hybrids in a single application causes hardship in evaluation of the data. Individual application should be submitted for each State/Zone. Applications submitted earlier/pending cases of earlier Standing Committee meetings will not be considered. Field trial data of the particular hybrid at least from one SAU per state of the particular Zone. In addition to yield parameters, the data should include the quality aspects as well as reaction of test hybrid against insects and diseases as recorded under AICCIP; Seed cotton yield should be superior to the best check.
For Central and South Zones, the SAU data may be provided keeping in view of the rainfed/irrigated regions and may be submitted for both regions to ensure approval for the entire State. Number and names of hybrids approved under EBAM so far for each State, names of hybrids available in the market, and how the proposed hybrids are better than the
approved hybrids. Data on tolerance of Bt cotton hybrids to CLCuV in North Zone (only for hybrids to be released in North Zone) as evaluated by SAU Centre in North Zone/CICR, Sirsa. Current status of Bt cotton hybrids approved by Standing Committee under EBAM for commercialization:
The notification from DBT makes it clear that punitive action will be initiated in case of providing any wrong information/declaration on any of the above items (1-12).
