Some of
the major
challenges for
the Bt Cotton
industry in
India include
the following
high labour
cost for seed
production
and crop
operations
The concept of refugia in Separate
Pack (SP) as per the system in
vogue is available at present to
the Seed Companies. As farmers
were not using the non-bt refugia
seeds provided in a separate
packet, due to lack of awareness,
the Government of India
recommended a new approach
called as Refugia in bag (RIB).
Thus, seed companies have to
implement Refugia in bag (RIB)
immediately wherever isogenic
versions of the corresponding non
Bt Hybrids are available as per the
choice of the seed company. RIB
drives mandatory compliance for
insect resistance among farmers.
Therefore it is very effective.
Government of India has mandated
all companies to follow this concept
by 2019.
What are the major challenges
before the Bt Cotton industry
in India?
Some of the major challenges for
the Bt Cotton industry in India
include the following high labour
cost for seed production and crop
operations. There is need for new
traits with sucking pest tolerance
pink bollworm and other pests
developing resistance to Bt traits
Illegal traits such as RRflex floating
in the market through unorganized
sector without approval by
Government of India. Breaking the
productivity barriers through new
approaches like biologicals, new
biotech methods, etc needed.
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