The Hindu Business Line : AP farmers plump for Bt cotton

SOME 1,000 cotton farmers from 14 districts in Andhra Pradesh have said they are for Bt cotton as it gives them better yields at lower operating costs.

The farmers, who gathered here under the aegis of Federation of Farmers' Association (FFA), said Bt cotton varieties yielded an average of 15 quintals against 9-10 quintals by non-Bt varieties.

"It was not just the high yields. It saves us at least Rs 5,000 on an acre in the form of reduced labour costs and lower spending on pesticides," said Mr P. Srinivasa Reddy, a former Agricultural Department Joint Director, who has now taken to cotton farming.

Submitting a memorandum to Ms Poonam Malakondaiah, Commissioner and Director of Agriculture, he said all companies that marketed Bt cottonseeds should be allowed to encourage healthy competition.

Refuting the allegations that Bt cotton failed to increase yields, Mr Reddy said all their tests were done in light, sandy and rocky soils. "Forget Bt cotton, any other crop would have performed no differently. But we, the farmers, want Bt because it involves less input costs and more yields."

Mr Reddy added: "We can understand some scientists saying that. How can they (the NGOs opposing Bt) say that it is bad? We know what is good for us. If we find it not suitable to us, no one can force us to continue."

Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, Chairman of Cotton Commodity in Confederation of Indian Farmers' Associations, said Bt cotton acreage had significantly improved ever since the Government gave the go-ahead in 2002, growing from 6,800 acres in 2002 to 1.90 lakh acres in 2004.

He said that farmers wanted to grow Bt cotton over 10 lakh acres.

Some of the protestors alleged that a few pesticide companies were opposing Bt and leading a campaign against it, as it cut deeply into their sales.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Govt may lower wheat output projections — Above normal temperature in Nov-Dec affects yield

Lower arrivals of wheat reflect fall in production

Rain, thundershowers continue to lash Kerala

Enhance cotton acreage: Sisspa

Campco to explore Pakistan market for arecanut, cocoa

Rubber prices unchanged as sellers keep a low profile

Prices down at Coonoor sales on low buying interest

Implement VAT for tea uniformly: Tea associations

AP farmers plump for Bt cotton

Naidu visits chilli yard

CIMAP to work for improving patent portfolio

NCDC swap facility for co-ops