Context: The challenges faced by cotton farmers in North India due to pest attacks and the declining area under cotton cultivation have given rise to demand for genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties like Bollgard-3 and BG-2RRF.

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Why are cotton farmers in North India demanding Bollgard-3?

Cotton farmers in North India are demanding Bollgard-3 for the following reasons:

• Pest Resistance: Bollgard-3 offers protection against lepidopteran pests like the pink bollworm, which has severely impacted cotton yields.
• Improved Crop Health: The Bt proteins (Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab, and Vip3A) in Bollgard-3 disrupt insect gut function, leading to healthier crops.
• Higher Yields: With reduced pest attacks, cotton productivity can increase, benefiting farmers economically.
• Limitations of Existing Varieties: Bollgard-1 and Bollgard-2, introduced in 2002 and 2006, are ineffective against recent pests like whiteflies and pink bollworms.
• Global Adoption:
  • Countries like Brazil and the U.S. have successfully used advanced GM cotton varieties, improving yields and profitability.
  • Brazil is using Bollgard-5, which protects against multiple pests, weeds, and insects. This has led to high yields of 2400 kg per hectare in Brazil, compared to only 450 kg in India.
• Declining Cotton Cultivation: The cotton-growing area in Punjab has drastically reduced, affecting the ginning industry, necessitating better seed technology.

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Regulatory Hurdles Preventing the Introduction of New GM Cotton Varieties in India

Hurdles in the introduction of new GM cotton varieties in India include:

• Pending Approvals: Bollgard-3 is still awaiting commercial approval in India, even though it has already been used in other countries. The BG-2RRF, a herbicide-tolerant variety of Bollgard-2 Roundup-Ready Flex, has been awaiting approval since 2012-13.
• Tough Regulations Regarding GM Crop: The regulatory process for GM crop approvals in India is so protracted that the introduction of subsequent seed technologies gets delayed inordinate amounts.
• Lack of Policy Clarity: Uncertainty in government policies regarding GM crop adoption creates delays in research and commercialization.
• Opposition from Certain Groups: Environmental and farmer groups have expressed concerns over GM crops' long-term effects, influencing policy decisions.

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Immediate Solutions to Improve Cotton Yields

The following solutions can be adopted to improve the cotton yields in spite of the absence of GM varieties:

• Adopting Agronomic Practices: Proper seeding, mulching, and pest monitoring can help manage crop health.
• High-Density Planting: Increasing plant density per unit area can compensate for yield losses due to pests.
• Drip Fertigation: Optimized water and fertilizer application can enhance plant growth and resistance to stress.
• Weed Control: Managing weeds can reduce pest habitats and indirectly lower pest infestations.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Using biological controls, crop rotation, and selective pesticide application can help mitigate pest threats.
• Investment in Research: Developing indigenous pest-resistant cotton varieties through public-sector research can provide long-term solutions.

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UPSC Practice Question

Critically analyze the regulatory hurdles in approving genetically modified (GM) crops in India. How do these delays affect agricultural productivity and farmer profitability? (Ink in 150 words)