Bt cotton in India: Two states, two narratives and a few lessons
- 2013
- p.789-803.
- Oct-Dec
Cotton fanning impacts the life of over sixty million people. These include not only farmers who cultivate and harvest the crop but also those working in the cotton industry, involved in processing and trading. This article analyses the paradox of Bt-Cotton being a major success for some while being the cause of extreme distress for others. In order to understand both sides of the story, it analyses the scenario in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the two states where the cotton farming is predominant. it argues that Bt-Cotton is not inherently a bad crop but it is poor management and governance that has led to the adverse effects being experienced by some fanners. Its success or failure in generating better revenue for the farmers and the state depends on how it is managed and the state's investment in making it more farmer-friendly. - Reproduced.