Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices: A Case Study in Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh

India is the pioneer country for the commercial cultivation of hybrid cotton. Cotton is one of the principal commercial crops and has been one of the main sources of India's economic growth and foreign exchange earner. Cotton is a commercial cash crop in India and ranks second in the world in production next only to China. Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important fibre crop of global significance, which is cultivated in tropical and subtropical region for using in various industries. The first genetically modified crop in India, Bt cotton, has been introduced to address bollworm infestation. The production of Bt Cotton is highly influenced by insect-pests and diseases infestation at vegetative to reproductive stages. These biotic stresses can be managed by practicing the components of IPM. The present study was conducted in Dewas district of Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh to check the level of adoption of an Integrated Pest Management practices in Bt cotton crop by selecting 120 cotton growers representing small, medium and large category of land holding. The present study reveals that majority of the respondents had adopted chemical control measures (95.83%) followed by cultural practices, mechanical practices and biological practices. The adoption level of farmers showed positive and significant relationship with Integrated Pest Management practices.