Bt. Cotton in Rajasthan: problem and prospects

Bt cotton is a transgenic plant that produces an insect controlling protein cry1A(C), the gene for which has been derived from the naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis sub sp. kurstaki (B.t.k). The cotton hybrids containing Bt gene produces its own toxin for bollworms and thus significantly reduces the insecticide use and providing a major benefit to cotton growers and the environment. More than hundred Bt Cotton hybrids have been recommended by GEAC for cultivation in North India. However, on the basis of performance in research trials conducted in Rajasthan, out of these seven Bt hybrids namely RCH-134 Bt, RCH-314Bt, MRCH-6025Bt, MRCH-6301Bt, NCEH-6 Bt and JK-1947 Bt, MRCH-7017 Bt has been recommended by zonal advisory Research committee S.K. RAU Agricultural Research Station Sriganganagar on adhoc basis, As a consequence of rapid adoption of Bt Cotton and improved crop production and protection technologies, the area under Bt Cotton in the state has increased up to 80% which increased the productivity of Cotton in the state. However due to high incidence of leaf curl virus disease in Bt Cotton hybrids the crop had a setback also. However the Bt Cotton reduces the need of Chemical sprays, Labour, environment, pollution and resulted in high yields.