Examine the issue surrounding use of HtBt cotton variety.
Maharashtra’s Shetkari Sanghatan has been widely distributing and growing the HtBt variety of cotton even after government put a ban on use of this variety. The government has been precautious on its usage but the group has been adamant.
HtBt variety of cotton
- The HtBt is a genetically modified version of natural variety of cotton. The genetic code of cotton plant has been altered through biotechnology.
- A unique pest and herbicide resistance gene has been added to the original DNA. It is termed as a game changer for cotton industry.
- These genes will help the plant to protect against the pest bollworm and herbicide that is used to eradicate weeds from the area.
Arguments in favour of HtBt usage
- Reduce pesticide cost
The pesticide needed to protect against the pink bollworm will no longer be needed. Farmers will save the costs and make their agriculture more profitable.
- Reduce labour cost
The cost of labours hired for spraying pesticide, removing weeds and stray plants will be saved as the use of HtBt will not need such amount of labour hands.
- Pollution control
Use of pesticides indiscriminately can result in pollution of water bodies and also ground water table. Effects on human health will also be tackled.
Concerns of HtBt
- Herbicide resistant plants
Cross pollination from cotton plants and other weeds can create super-weeds, a variety that cannot be killed using mild chemicals.
- Human health
There are some concerns that HtBt variety plants give out toxins that can be carcinogenic in nature. Some studies have shown long term effects on soil health.
Thus, the government has to undertake a complete re-evaluation to check if the variety has more benefits or it can have devastating effects. Till then, farmers will have to restrain.
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