Aravalli Farmers Begin Groundnut, Cotton Sowing Despite Rain Uncertainty
By jayesh chouhan 2026-06-15 15:32:28
The Crisis in Cotton Cultivation and Questions Surrounding Bt Cotton
Cotton cultivation is becoming increasingly less profitable across many cotton-growing regions in India. Concurrently, concerns among farmers and agricultural organizations regarding the genetically modified (GM) crop, Bt cotton, have mounted. Recently, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) highlighted a sharp decline in cotton production within Haryana's cotton belt. According to the organization, escalating attacks by the pink bollworm have severely damaged Bt cotton crops—crops that were originally marketed to farmers as pest-resistant.
Data indicates a significant reduction in the area under cotton cultivation in Haryana over the past few years. Similar issues have surfaced in major cotton-producing states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. Many farmers report having to use larger quantities of pesticides for pest control, thereby driving up cultivation costs.
Various research studies have also raised questions regarding the long-term efficacy of Bt cotton. A study published in 2020 revealed that farmers in many regions are spending more on pesticides than they did prior to the introduction of Bt cotton. A 2022 survey conducted in Telangana found that the majority of farmers complained of pink bollworm infestations, which adversely affected both production and income.
Critics argue that the initial benefits of Bt cotton have diminished over time. They contend that the observed increase in yields was not solely due to Bt technology but also resulted from improved irrigation, favorable weather conditions, and the use of advanced hybrid seeds. Furthermore, the growing control of large corporations over the seed market and the dwindling availability of non-Bt seeds are also viewed as matters of concern.
Based on these experiences, many experts are advocating for the promotion of sustainable alternatives such as agroecology, crop diversification, and integrated pest management. They believe that a re-evaluation of the current cotton production system is essential to ensure farmers' income, environmental balance, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
