Impact of Insect Resistant Cotton

Boll guard I & II were introduced in 2002 and 2006 by Mahyco Monsanto with Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, Govt. of India. Indian cotton farmers adopted Bt hybrid cotton between 2002-2013 reaching 92% of the cotton area and 95% of the production, replacing conventional hybrids/ varieties of all the species in both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Bt hybrid cotton was presumed to produce record highest average productivities in India and other major cotton growing countries also in 2007 and 2012 with a decline after 2008 due to excess rains. Farmers invested Rs. 1500-1750/- Acre could prevent 24-28% cotton yield losses by consuming 2.3 times more fertilizers, 35% herbicides and 22% growth regulators. Although it was reported three times returns compared to non Bt cotton due to severe inflation pressure farmers profitability got reduced and went unrest in 2011. Seed producers, marketing companies, input dealers and female labourers were major beneficiaries. Bollworms sprays were reduced to zero but sucking pests sprays were almost doubled with low volume more costly insecticides. The pest management cost remain unchanged in this decade. In conclusion, Bt cotton won the confidence of farmers for its bollworm resistance except refugea regultion. Govt. efforts for price control stabilized margin for farmers but eroded due to escalating weed management and hand picking costs after 2008. Yield gap analysis found N, Zn, Mg and B were limiting optimum yields, besides post emergence herbicides, rain water conservation/ supplemental irrigations can break present productivity levels and reduce cost of production. Public sector research agencies should follow Public private partnership model adopted by Gujarat Agriculture University, Surat for conversion Bt Hybrid-6 and 8. They need to meet farmer’s expectations by developing transgenic insect and herbicide resistant cotton varieties and prove in farmers fields. Breeders must meet consumer’s expectations inorder to compete with polyester fibre to get sustainable demand. Bt hybrid cotton impact on economy, input output efficiencies, reducing cost of production, policies affecting farmers profits, R&D efforts and BMPs across globe were reviewed.