Bt cotton has delivered significant benefits to all members of the agricultural value chain in the country, and has contributed to a cumulative national farm income of about $9.4 billion between 2002 and 2010, turning India from an importer of cotton to an exporter, according to T M Manjunath, a consultant in agricultural biotechnology and integrated pest management.
“In India, various studies have revealed that increase in yield due to effective control of bollworms and reduction in insecticide applications following the introduction of Bt cotton were about 50%. Further, a farmer was able to earn a profit that ranged from Rs 7,800 to 30,500 per hectare. Given this track record, it is clear that plant biotechnology, which can offer several more beneficial traits, has the tremendous potential to improve agriculture in India and the world over,” he said.
View the original article here: Bt cotton demonstrates biotech’s potential, says expert
