Seeds of stagnation in Bt cotton: Can newer variants impact productivity?

Source: This post is created based on the article “Seeds of stagnation in Bt cotton: Can newer variants impact productivity?”, published in Business Standard on 13^th June 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – Science and tech – GM Crops

News: GEAC is considering the genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton seed variant, Bollgard-2 Round-up Ready Flex (BG-2 RRF), for approval. It has asked for more information from the company.

In another case, GEAC approved field trials of a new variant of GM cotton by Bioseed Research India Pvt Ltd that has a gene resistant to pink bollworm.

What are the factors behind delay in approval to cotton seed variant?

Concerns about the efficacy of BG-2 RRF against targeted pests, including the pink bollworm.

Socioeconomic impact of its use.

Agriculture is a state subject. In case of bio seed research’s GM cotton, some states have not given their approval for field test.

What are the effects of delay in approval?

Increase in the use of illegally manufactured and untested second-generation Bt cotton, which could be harmful to farmers’ health and the soil.

The pink bollworm has developed resistance to Bt cotton, allegedly due to delays in allowing the growth of non-Bt cotton crops alongside Bt cotton to maintain resistance to new pests.

Cotton is grown in 12-12.5 million hectares in India. The pest can reduce seed cotton yields by 35 to 90% and degrade the quality of the cotton produced.

What should be done to save the crops from pink bollworms?

Disrupting the pest’s mating cycle,

Releasing sterile moths to control its reproduction, and

The extensive use of advanced varieties of Bt cotton seeds that are naturally resistant to pink bollworm.