Identification of Constraints for Delineating Extension Strategies for Bt Cotton Cultivation in Punjab

The study was conducted in three main cotton growing districts of Punjab i.e. Bathinda, Mansa and Fazilka of Punjab state to know the constraints faced by Bt cotton growers of Punjab. A total sample of 150 farmers from 15 villages was taken for the study. It was found that major constraints faced by farmers regarding the production of Bt cotton were high cost of seeds (85.33%), non-availability of canal water for pre-sowing irrigation (77.33%), poor quality of irrigation water (81.33%), sub standard quality of pesticides (87.33%), ineffectiveness of pesticides (94.67%), high cost of pesticides (79.33%) and non-availability of the labour for picking (71.33%). The major technological constraint reported by the 56.00 per cent respondents was the non-availability of cotton stalk up rooter. Price fluctuation and lower MSP of Bt cotton produce were the major marketing constraints faced by 96.67% and 94.67% of the respondents, respectively, whereas 64.00 per cent of the respondents faced the constraint of high cost of cultivation of Bt cotton. About 48.00 per cent of the respondents reported the lack of proper demonstrations/trainings/awareness camps regarding Bt cotton cultivation practices as the major institutional constraint. Development of better Bt cotton varieties resistant to sucking pests and to keep quality check on seeds and pesticides along with fixed market selling prices were found important for delineating extension strategies for Bt cotton cultivation in Punjab.