Field trial of BT cotton recommended for 'higher yield'

By S. K. Ramoo

BANGALORE, JAN. 2. The seven- member Karnataka Agriculture Commission, headed by the agriculture scientist, Prof. R. Dwarkinath, recently adopted a decision recommending that the Government permit field trials of BT cotton.

The KAC, in its report, suggested that MAHYCO, a hybrid seed company, be allowed to conduct the trials under specific conditions stipulated by it. Some time ago, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests permitted the firm to undertake field trials of BT cotton in several States, including Karnataka, after obtaining the consent of the State Governments.

Karnataka referred the issue to the KAC, which suggested that the trials be closely monitored by experts of the two State agriculture universities. It recommended that in addition to farmers' fields, they be conducted on the experimental plots of universities and that the final report be evaluated by a team of experts before submission.

According to the KAC, the area under the cotton crop in Karnataka, 12 lakh hectares during the 1970s, decreased by half in recent years, adversely affecting the growers (about 20- lakh families are dependent on cotton cultivation) and the industry. The acreage shrunk mainly because the crop was prone to innumerable pests and diseases, including the dreaded boll worm. It required excessive application of pesticides leading to high cultivation costs and that acted as a disincentive.

During the 1970s, Karnataka grew the long-staple cotton, `Varalakshmi,' which became susceptible to several pests. Frequent boll worm infestation resulted in losses. According to an estimate, about 50 per cent of the total plant-protection chemicals consumed in Karnataka was used for cotton. It led to a steep increase in production costs and drastic reduction in farmers' returns. The growing losses and debts led to a spate of suicides.

Cotton cultivation does not require year-round irrigation. It is a key commercial crop in the black soil belt of north Karnataka districts, both under irrigated and rain-fed conditions. However, growing insect infestation has led to large- scale crop failure and soil pollution - a result of excessive use of pesticides. The toxicity levels of groundwater have increased alarmingly.

A technological breakthrough occurred during the 1990s by way of boll worm regulation, following the induction of BT cotton. Its cultivation led to a significant reduction in the application of pesticides and the yield was higher.

The imminent shift is compelled by ground realities, as both soil condition and microbial life have been affected. In many parts of the State, groundwater is contaminated. It is against this background that the Government was advised to accord permission for conducting BT cotton field trials.

BT cotton is superior to the existing varieties, in terms of yield and low boll-worm infestation. The gene introduced in the plant is a naturally-occurring bacterium. However, the agriculture scientists have warned that its long-term impact on soil condition and microbial life need to be studied. The KAC has suggested experimental plots with the best local and hybrid varieties to draw comparisons.

It has also become imperative for Karnataka to go in for BT cotton as conventional methods of plant breeding have encountered barriers of yield and pest resistance. The benefits of inter- specific cotton varieties, such as `Varalakshmi,' are fast wearing out.

The KAC report has pointed out that cotton cultivation in the State is hampered by mono-cropping; insect resistance; increase in pests, leading to mounting costs; frequent crop failures and grave pollution hazards. Hence, the Government has been advised by agriculture scientists to opt for the latest innovation.

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