The opinion on the success of second generation of genetically modified BT cotton variety, Bollgard 2, in the state is chiefly polarised. The new variety, resilient to two chief pests, has a large chunk of the state’s farmers taking it up with more than 85 per cent of acreage under BT cotton. However, there is a debate on the progressing steps of genetic modification and its long term implications.
Environmental activist Vandana Shiva says, “The Bollgard 2, that followed Bollgard 1, is only an excuse to monopolise Indian agriculture step-by-step. Why should they sell BT cotton seeds in hybrid variety in India, that too at a premium? If all is well with BT cotton, why are there farmer suicides still? It is just crude technology backed by business minded forces.”
V. Jayakumar, joint director, agriculture (seeds), Government of Andhra Pradesh says, “BT cotton is, undoubtedly, a success in the state. In comparison to the large amount of pesticide demanded by non-BT cotton earlier, the state farmers are enjoying good yields with a great reduction in pesticide usage.”
Disagreeing with this statement, P.V. Satheesh of Deccan Development Society says, “BT Cotton is a farce. It is at best a technology and can’t be called science. Bollgard 2 is clearly less productive than Bollgard 1. The yield of 4-5 quintal per acre from non-irrigated fields and 7 quintal from irrigated fields is a lot lesser than what Monsanto claims as 12-15 quintals. Also, there is a risk of non-dormant pests getting active and destroying crops leading to a situation of having many complex pests to deal with, with every passing year. How many versions will they make? Bollgard 2, 3, 10? Where will it all end?”