India
August, 2007Source:
CropBiotech Update
A 170 page- report on the "Economics
of Bt cotton vs. traditional cotton varieties (Study in Andhra
Pradesh)" by the Agro-Economic Research Centre of the
Andhra University
in India concludes that Bt farmers earned three times more
than non-Bt cotton farmers in Guntur district and eight times
more in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. The Government of
Andhra Pradesh commissioned the study three years ago to examine
the advantages, disadvantages, cost of cultivation and net
return to Bt cotton as compared to other cotton varieties in
selected districts.
The study confirmed that the
average Bt farmer had a 46 per cent higher yield and applied 55
per cent less pesticides than the non-Bt cotton farmer in Guntur
district. Bt cotton farmers in Warangal district applied 16 per
cent less pesticides and reaped 47 per cent more cotton yield as
compared to non-Bt farmers. Farmers noted that Bt cotton gave
early high picking rate due to less pest susceptibility and boll
color was also good.
Economics of Bt Cotton
vis-a-vis Traditional Cotton Varieties in Andhra Pradesh
|
Items |
Guntur District |
Warangal District |
|
Bt Cotton |
Non-Bt Cotton |
Bt Cotton |
Non-Bt Cotton |
|
Yield (Kg per hectare) |
3341 |
2290 |
2380 |
1623 |
|
Gross income (US$ per
hectare) |
1273.50 |
896.60 |
929.30 |
621.50 |
|
Total Cost (US$ per
hectare) |
686.70 |
695.30 |
760.70 |
643.40 |
|
Net Income (US$ per
hectare) |
586.80 |
201.30 |
168.60 |
(- 21.90) |
(Average exchange rate in 2006:
Rupee 45 per US$)
For a copy of the report,
contact
Prof. LK Mohan Rao
Honorary Director
Agro-Economic Research Centre (AERC)
Andhra University
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
India.
More information regarding
biotech in India from
Bhagirath Choudhary. |
