Department of Economics and Applied Economics, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur – 522 510, Andhra Pradesh.
The paper has studied the adoption of agricultural biotechnology in India with specific reference to the experience in cultivation of Bt cotton based on the secondary data regarding its area, production and productivity. The study has inferred that area under Bt cotton in total cotton area in India has increased from 0.37 per cent in 2002–03 to 80.0 per cent in 2008–09. The data on state-wise cotton yield has shown a tremendous increase in the states of Punjab, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and a consistent increase in the states of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. All together, there has been a positive shift in favour of Bt cotton crop in India. The study has discussed the major concerns also in adoption of Bt cotton and has given some policy recommendations.
