Karnataka, one of the highest growers of cotton in the country, is facing a crisis that has cast a shadow on the farmers. According to a research report released by a team of agricultural scientists from University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, around 40 to 50 per cent of Bt Cotton crop in rain-fed areas was destroyed in the pink bollworm attack and affected the cotton production.
Based on this report, an independent team of experts who visited the cotton fields in Raicur district a few days ago found Bt Cotton has failed and 80 per cent of the crop was destroyed due to pink bollworm attack.
The team was comprised of Dr HR Prakash, Agronomist and Rtd Additional Director, Department of Agriculture, Manjunath Holalu, Forestry and Environmentalist, P Srinivas Vasu, Action Aid representative, Venkatesh Patel, a farmer, Syed Hafeez Ulha, convener of Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti, lakshman Gowda, representative of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and others. The tam had extensive field work and interaction with the farmers and found more around 80 per cent of the crop was destroyed due to pink bollworm attack.
Speaking to media at a Bt Cotton field in Gonal, about 15 kms from Raichur, Dr Prakash, who headed the team, said that around 80 per cent of the Bt Cotton crop was destroyed due to pink bollworm attack.
“A study report released from University of Agricultural Sciences in Raichur pointed out that around 40-50 per cent of Bt Cotton crop in rain-fed area was destroyed in pink bollworm attack. We however found that the damage was over 80 per cent. The university should conduct fresh study and submit a report to Government seeking appropriate actions for safeguarding the interests of affected farmers,” he said.
Manjunath Holalu, another team member, pointed out that Bollguard II variety of Bt Cotton seeds, which was developed for controlling pink bollworm, had utterly failed. He said both Raichur and Dharwad agriculture universities had, in their Package of Practices reports recommended Bt Cotton cultivation for rain-fed areas which goes against the recommendations of Central Institute for Cotton Research.
“The instruction guide supplied with Bt Cotton seed packet claims that it controls not only American, Spotted and Pink bollworms, but also highly effective against Spodoptera and Semi-loopers. But in reality it failed to control pink bollworm,” he observed.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Rajya Ryotha Sangha(KRRS) which is spearheading an agitation against BT Cotton seeds has demanded that the Government hold Bt cotton seed companies responsible for the loss and compel them to pay compensation to affected farmers.
KRRS State secretary Amaranna Gudihal said more than 50 per cent of Bt Cotton crop was destroyed due to pink bollworm pest attack. He also warned that the Bt Cotton farmers might take extreme steps such as committing suicide if the Government did not intervene and ensure release of compensation.
“Farmers have spent between Rs25,000 and Rs30,000 for cultivating Bt Cotton on each acre. The seed producing companies should be held responsible for the heavy losses and they should be compelled to pay compensation to the affected farmers. Two farmers — one in Raichur and other in Yadgir — have committed suicide after their Bt Cotton crop was completely destroyed in bollworm attack. If the Government does not ensure release of compensation that is equal to at least the cost of cultivation, such suicides will rise in the days to come,” he said.