The paper has examined the impact of Bt technology on pesticide consumption with reference to production of Bt cotton in Andhra Pradesh. Based on the figures for consumption of pesticides for the period 2001–02 to 2008–09 in Andhra Pradesh, the study has inferred that pesticide consumption has been declining progressively in the state by motivating farmers through ‘Polambadi’ programmes to adopt integrated pest management practices, need-based pesticide application, use of bio-agents and cultivation of Bt varieties of cotton. The consumption of pesticide has come down by 64 per cent, from 3850 Mt (active gradients) in 2001–02 to 1381 Mt (active gradient) in 2008–09. The study has provided some suggestions also for the use GM technology in Indian agriculture.
