GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3799

ANSWERED ON:04.09.2012

USE OF BT. COTTON SEEDS

MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI

(a) whether it is a fact that 90 per cent of the farmers are using Bt. cotton seeds for cotton production in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to review the effects of Bt. cotton seeds economically, environmentally and scientifically;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the number of cotton farmers benefited so far by using Bt. cotton seeds?

Will the Minister of AGRICULTUREbe pleased to state:-

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) & (b):Yes, Madam. More than 90 per cent of the cotton farmers are using Bt. cotton seed for cotton production in the country as per table given below:

Year Bt. cotton area (%) of total area

2002-03 0.360

2003-04 1.220

2004-05 5.660

2005-06 11.160

2006-07 37.840

2007-08 67.140

2008-09 73.410

2009-10 79.590

2010-11 85.710

2011-12 92.00

2012-13 91.31 

(c) & (d): No, Madam.

(e):Farmers growing Bt. cotton have been benefited as yield of cotton per ha. has increased substantially after introduction of Bt. Cotton.