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Consequences of Cultivation of Bt Cotton as Perceived by farmers of Andhra Pradesh, India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Agricultural Extension Department, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana state, INDIA
  • 2
  • 3

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 4, Issue (6), Pages 7-14, June,14 (2015)

Abstract

Bt Cotton recorded improved yields and reduced cultivation costs in some areas, while flaring up of secondary pests, emergence of new diseases viz., grey mildew and health related problems like allergies and nasal bleeding in human and cattle respectively were reported in some other areas. This situation prompted to study consequences perceived due to cultivation of Bt Cotton in the district of Karimnagar, Andhra pradesh by Bt cotton farmers, Officials of Department of Agriculture, Agricultural scientists, doctors, veterinary doctors and officials of Bt cotton company who formed respondents of this study. Positive consequences of Bt cotton cultivation as perceived by majority of farmers, officials of department of agriculture, agricultural scientists, officials of voluntary agencies and Bt cotton company wereincreased yields (34%), reduced debts due to high net returns(50%), increase in cropping intensity (90%), reduced pesticide sprays for bollworm (30%) and increased yields (100%) respectively. Negative consequences as perceived by majority of farmers, officials of department of agriculture, agricultural scientists, personnel of voluntary agencies and Bt cotton company, doctors and veterinary doctors werepoor performance in rainfed conditions (34%), fall in cotton price due to more production (90%), reduction in area under food crops like Maize, Jowar etc.,(80%), incidence of sucking pests, grey mildew and wilt (70%), disappearance of traditional varieties and hybrids (50%), soil infertility as Bt cotton is soil exhaustive (40%) and micronutrient deficiencies (40%), Grey mildew and wilt incidence (90%), increased incidence of sucking pests (40%), skin allergies in humans (100%) and mild cough and sneezing in cattle (100%) respectively.

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