Bt cotton proves a failure in Andhra Pradesh

Sun Network
http://www.sunnt.com/news/regional/a...ra.asp?id=7242

Hyderabad, Mar 03 - It was hailed as one of the biggest advances in
Indian agriculture. However, there are now clear indicators that the
genetically modified Bt cotton has been a failure at least in Andhra
Pradesh. Farmers in Andhra Pradesh grew Bt cotton crop on 8,000 acres
last year. The genetically modified crop with in-built pest resistance
was expected to reduce heavy input cost on pesticides and also
increase yield.

But the state government says farmers aren't getting the yields they
were promised and the poor quality of the crop also fetches a lower
price in the market.

"Overall information is that the farmers have not experienced very
positive and encouraging results," remarked V S Rao, Agriculture
Minister, Andhra Pradesh.

Jaipal Reddy, a cotton farmer from Warangal district, says Bt cotton
has fetched up to Rs 200 less per quintal because the quality was
inferior.

"The sprays are less, but the farmers are very unhappy about the size
of the bolls," said Jaipal Reddy, Chairman, Cotton Committee.

Advocates of Bt cotton say drought conditions are also to blame for
the decreased yield. "It has definitely helped in reducing pesticide
use. But whether it has given sufficient yield or not is a different
question. Bt cotton by and large is supposed to have irrigation
facilities," said Chengal Reddy, Farmers' Activist.

Despite the unimpressive performance of Bt cotton, the Andhra Pradesh
government is still open minded about genetically modified crops, as
the government believes that biotechnology has tremendous potential to
improve crop productivity.