Date:21/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/21/stories/2003012103171300.htm

National

'Bt cotton not a failure'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI Jan. 20. Contrary to the earlier reports that the genetically modified Bt Cotton had been a failure in many areas, the Mahyco Monsanto Biotech (India) today claimed that a comprehensive survey of the farmers who had completed their final picking of the crop showed that they had earned an extra income of Rs. 7,000 per acre.

According to the company, nearly 55,000 farmers who had already harvested their crop reported 30 per cent increase in their yields and a 65 to 70 per cent reduction in the use of pesticides.

In a press release, the company said the farmers in Madhya Pradesh reported the maximum gain of Rs. 9,600 per acre, followed by those in Gujarat (Rs. 7,370), Maharashtra (Rs. 7250), Karnataka (Rs. 6,480) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs. 5930).

"In Tamil Nadu, the harvesting is yet to be completed, but farmers are excited by the performance of the crop so far'', the release said.

Savings on pesticide usage was to the extent of Rs. 1,090 per acre in Andhra Pradesh, Rs. 950 per acre in Madhya Pradesh, Rs. 720 per acre in Maharashtra, Rs. 610 per acre in Karnataka and Rs. 530 per acre in Gujarat, the report said.

The Bt Cotton, which is the first ever biotech crop to be cultivated in India, was planted in June last year, two months after the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee under the Union Environment Ministry gave its nod for its limited plantation.