An Insight into Farmers’ Perceptions and Adotion Behavior on Bt Cotton Cultivation

The perception of Bt cotton and adoption level of refugeafor Bt cotton cultivation was assessed in the North (Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana) and Central (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra) zone states in India with the help of 240 farmers. Majority of the respondents from both the zones fell under the category “agree” to “strongly agree” regarding perceptions on efficient management of bollworms and greater profits from Bt cotton cultivation. Mixed perceptions prevailed regarding the irrigation requirement. While, between 36 to 65 per cent respondents agreed that Bt cotton will not give any adverse effect, on soil micro-organism and underground water, on the crops/species, and cattle health (allergenicity) and agreed that it is adaptable to both late and early sowing while requiring more micrnutirents, plant promoters and inorganic fertlisers. Regarding the adoption behavior, most of the North zone (94%) and Central zone (98.33%) respondents have not adopted five rows or 20 per cent non Bt cotton seeds as a refuge crop surrounding on their Bt cotton plot.