The advent of Bt cotton in the country has seen the native, tree-type arboreum varieties losing their relevance. The reasons for the native or desi varieties losing out to Bt and other hybrid cottons are many, including higher production costs and lower realisation. But thanks to concerns expressed by the scientific community, a fresh lease of life is around the corner with the development of a genetically modified desi cotton variety. “We have got ready a desi variety cotton with Bt gene. We are waiting for the approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee,” said Dr C. D. Mayee, President, Indian Society for Cotton Improvement.