India: Genetically modified cotton yields are exaggerated

New research by Dr Glenn Stone - Professor of Anthropology of Arts and Sciences at Washington University, St. Louis, shows that the productivity of the first genetically modified (GMO) crops in India has been overstated. .

In fact, modest growth can be brought about by rational farm management. The research was published in World Development magazine.

Stone has conducted long-term research on four villages in Andhra Pradesh, India and compared cotton production in 2003 and 2007 (two years with approximate rainfall). In 2003, no farmer planted Bt cotton but in 2007, the planting rate was 100%.

Since then, Stone points out: " Cotton production increased by 18% with GMO seeds. This number is less than the number reported in some economic studies but much higher than the number of commune activists. Assembly declared , "Stone said.

In the study, Stone examined farm management in general and found that the cultivation of GMO seeds entailed new problems. Although pesticide use since planting Bt cotton has decreased by 55%, the number of insect pests that are not affected by Bt cotton, such as aphids, started to erupt, leading to an increase in insecticide .

Stone said that the real problem for farmers is not only pests but a variety of agents. They ruin the normal process of applying technology and making technology change so fast and unpredictable. " Every new technology brings short-term benefits, but in the long run it breaks down farm management, " Stone said.