Is there any shift in Cropping pattern in Maharashtra after the Introduction of Bt Cotton?

Abstract

Many early studies found that Bt cotton well suited for irrigated condition. Since 96% of the cotton cultivation in Maharashtra under rainfed condition and massive adoption of Bt cotton in Maharashtra made lot of question that cotton cultivation in the state is viable? The study carried out to find, is there any change in cropping pattern after the introduction of Bt cotton in the state. It is found that marginal shift in cotton cultivation from Vidarbha region to Marathwada and Khandesh regions where these regions has better irrigation facility. The trade-off of oilseeds and pulses with cotton cultivation well established in Maharashtra in last decade and sizable area under cotton in Vidarbha region converted to these crops. Also found that cotton production enhancement in Maharashtra due to introduction of advanced production and protection technologies and increase in gross irrigated area, and sufficient use of yield enhancing inputs for the cotton cultivation.