The area under Bt. cotton has increased from 29 thousand hectares in 2002-03 to 80 lakh hectares (anticipated) in 2009-10. The average yield of Bt Cotton has also increased from 300 kg per hectare in 2001-02 to 560 kg per hectare in 2007-08. Cultivation of Bt cotton has resulted in 31% increase in yield, 39% reduction in pesticide usage and more than 80% increase in profitability of farmers.

The Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur has been conducting detailed studies at the State level in collaboration with the State Agricultural Universities of the 9 major cotton growing States. Information so far collected indicates that yields have increased in these cotton growing states with the introduction of Bt. Cotton. Bollworms menace in cotton has significantly reduced all over the country and there is a reduction in market share of insecticides used in cotton.

Source: Bloomberg