The article 'Bt-cotton in India: Anatomyvof a controversy' by Geeta Bharathan (Curr. Sci., 2000, 79, 1067-1075) is an overall admirable analysis of the controversy regarding the application of genetic engineering (GE) (or genetic modification using recombinant DNA technologies (GM) or transgenics as more widely used) for the improvement of crop plants. It raises many questions, a few are genuine, others reflecting some of the exaggerated concerns that have been raised earlier1. However, the analysis, though intellectually stimulating, is based on incorrect information and shows a lack of familiarity with the variety development and evaluation process (basic plant breeding and genetics).