Amid fear of losses after using genetically modified (GM) cotton, farmers are looking at pros and cons of this seed with doubt that its anti-insect effect is decreasing.
However, farmers by and large have opted for seed with fact that its benefits are more compared to the conventional one and the labour is also saved.
The Government approved the sale of genetically modified cotton as it has proved effective against bollworms, a major cotton pest.
After its commercialization, sales of Bt cotton have increased fast and it accounts for nearly 60 percent of cotton grown in India.
Cornell University researchers studied the data given by Centre for Chinese Agricultural Policy (CCAP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and released some startling revelations.
Researchers found that Bt cotton reduced the pesticide use by more than 70 percent in 2001-2004 period but after that secondary insects like mirids have arrived and many farmers have used the same quantity of pesticides like conventional cotton growers.
GM cotton farmers, who used to earn 36 percent more than the conventional cotton farmers, got around eight percent less because of higher cotton prices this time.
On the other hand, researchers conclusions were contested by Huang Jikun, CCAP director, who said that their conclusion could be based on incorrect data.
He said that in 2004, the weather had low summer temperatures and more precipitation and the mirids had not only affected cotton but other crops as well.
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