Growth Rates of Cotton Crop in India and Pesticide Consumption: A Challenge Ahead

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the dynamics of area, production, and productivity of the cotton across different states of India to understand the impact of Bt cotton on the same. Methodology: The present study is based on the secondary data. Time series data were analyzed for two sub period viz., Period Ⅰ (1987-88 to 2001-02) before the introduction of Bt cotton and period Ⅱ (2002-03 to 2019-2020) after the introduction of Bt cotton for India and for major cotton growing states in India. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of area, production and productivity was computed by using semi-log growth model (Log-Lin model). Result: The result revealed that growth rates of area, production and productivity of cotton crop marked a significant increase after the introduction of Bt cotton across the major cotton growing states. Conclusion: There is an increased growth rate in area, production and productivity of cotton after the introduction of Bt Cotton. However, the cotton growing farmers still facing constraints related to quality of seeds, pest and disease attack, lack of awareness about new technology etc. The study therefore recommends to strengthen the extension system.