They have used American seed technology to beat the United States at cotton production. In just four years since 2002, when genetically modified Bt cotton was introduced in India by the US multinational, Monsanto Holdings, production more than doubled to 21.80 million bales, while the US output increased from 17.20 million to 21.58 million bales.
Today, India at 25 million bales is second only to China with 36.5 million bales, and second again, at 5 million bales to US exports of 13.52 million bales.
Rarely has the arrival of a technology created so much heat. Almost every activist and many non-governmental organisations were up in their arms to protest against the so-called invasion of the genetically modified seeds.
Bt cotton’s imminent demise in India was foretold. But, away from the headlines and the slogans, farmers all over the country have adopted Bt cotton happily, to raise yields and prosperity. At present, 80 per cent of the cotton produced in the country is from the new varieties.
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