India grows all
the four species of cultivated cottons.
The total cotton area is 9 million hectares, of which
40% is grown under hybrids. An area of 20% is grown to diploid
cottons.
It is yet to be seen what role varietal Bt.cotton
seed will play. The full impact of Bt cotton seed is difficult
to predict for the long term. However it can be said that the
use of Bt cotton seeds will lead to improved production and
reduced cost, which will increase the competitiveness of
Indian cotton in terms of both price and quality. It will also
enable the country to meet the increased cotton demand for its
own internal consumption.
