Monsanto (NYSE:MON) Bt Cotton Failure Marketing Ploy?

Monsanto Bt Cotton

Monsanto (NYSE:MON) Bt cotton was supposedly a failure in India trials, as the company claims it wasn't effective against pink bollworm in certain parts of Gujarat.

But as the Indian government analyzes the situation, they are increasingly thinking this is a marketing ploy by Monsanto to push their next generation of Bt Cotton, which would be more costly and leave their competition behind.

Even when Monsanto India reached their conclusions on the first generation of cotton, or Bollgard I, they were trying to convince farmers to acquire the second generation offering Bollgard II.

It's unclear if Bollgard II has more resistance to the worms at this time, and the Indian government has ordered Monsanto to sell seeds at a reduced cost until the royalty issue is taken care of.

Monsanto Bt Cotton