India Studies Show Benefits of Bt Cotton

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) reports that two studies on Bt cotton farming in India prove that farmers benefited from planting Bt cotton. The socio-economic appraisal of Bt cotton cultivation in India was undertaken by Indicus Analytics while the study on economic benefits of Bt cotton cultivation in India was conducted by IMRB International.

ASSOCHAM Immediate Past President, Anil K. Agarwal, said that both studies established the significant socio-economic benefits that have accrued to cotton farmers as a result of the introduction of this technology. Farmers planting Bt cotton had higher incomes than non-Bt farmers, earning a net profit of 162% more per acre. They also had higher yields of approximately 50% over conventional cotton harvests. The number of sprays against bollworms was also reduced by about five sprays less per acre.  

Bt cotton farming households fared economically better than non-Bt cotton farming households, and had better access to markets, shops, banking and telecommunication facilities; as well as maternal services, education, and health services.

For more information email Bhagirath Choudhary of ISAAA South Asia Office at b.choudhary@cgiar.org.