Adoption of the Bollgard-II version of the genetically modified (GM) cotton has increased four-fold since its commercial launch in 2006. Improved yield and better control of pests have resulted in the cotton area under the variety rising to 45 lakh acres.
We see several Pucca houses being constructed in place of dilapidated and tiled structures on both sides of the road as our car speeds past Siruvachhur, Sirkanpur, Nathakadu and Illupaikudi villages in the Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu. To describe the construction activity as feverish would be an understatement.
Some countries in West Africa are considering the potential adoption of insect resistant cotton. Burkina Faso has already approved commercial cultivation of this technology. This paper presents the results of a socio economic impact assessment of the potential adoption of insect resistant cotton in West Africa using an augmented economic surplus model to consider risk and parameter uncertainty.
It does kill the nasty bollworm. What about friendly microbes? transgenic crops come with a range of biosafety concerns, which are contested because the discussion of such crops is highly polarized. Researchers of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (iari), in a recent study, said Bt-cotton may affect soil microbes and nutrients available to the plants.
A study from northern China showed Bt cotton reduced pest populations in cotton and also other non-Bt crops growing nearby. Published in Science (Vol 321, No 5896), the study reported a dramatic reduction in cotton bollworms after the introduction of Bt cotton. The researchers said Bt benefitted farmers by reducing the need for insecticide sprays.
Neeraj Thakur / New Delhi October 03, 2008, 0:14 IST
Even as the textile industry has asked for administrative measures to control prices of raw cotton, including banning exports, and giving domestic buyers the first right of refusal, the Ministry of Textiles feels that domestic prices cannot remain immune to global rates.
Wal-Mart has told suppliers to stop buying cotton from Uzbekistan to try to end forced child labour in cotton harvesting. The world's largest retailer said it had formed a coalition representing 90 per cent of US purchases of cotton and cotton-based merchandise.
The prices of long staple Bt cotton or Sankar-6, in Gujarat are seen nose-diving 20 per cent in the next 10-15 days due to low export demand and increasing arrivals, traders said on Tuesday.
