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Digg It - Power of Bt Cotton
Introduction
Cotton is an important cash crop. It is known as 'white gold'. Cotton and other monocultured crops require an intensive use of pesticides as various types of pests attack these crops causing extensive damage. Over the past 40 years, many pests have developed resistance to pesticides.
So far, the only successful approach to engineering crops for insect tolerance has been the addition of Bt toxin, a family of toxins originally derived from soil bacteria. The Bt toxin contained by the Bt crops is no different from other ch
Cotton is an important cash crop. It is known as 'white gold'. Cotton and other monocultured crops require an intensive use of pesticides as various types of pests attack these crops causing extensive damage. Over the past 40 years, many pests have developed resistance to pesticides.
So far, the only successful approach to engineering crops for insect tolerance has been the addition of Bt toxin, a family of toxins originally derived from soil bacteria. The Bt toxin contained by the Bt crops is no different from other ch
According to USFDA, a combination product is one composed of any combination of a drug and device; biological product and device; drug and biological product
emical pesticides, but causes much less damage to the environment. These toxins are effective against a variety of economically important crop pests but pose no hazard to non-target organisms like mammals and fish. Three Bt crops are now commercially available: corn, cotton, and potato.
Bt cotton or Bollgard cotton is one of the miracles of the genetic engineering. Earlier, cotton farmers had only chemical pesticides to fight against the pests, especially to bollworm. With the introduction of Bt cotton, there is an in-built pest cont
Bt cotton or Bollgard cotton is one of the miracles of the genetic engineering. Earlier, cotton farmers had only chemical pesticides to fight against the pests, especially to bollworm. With the introduction of Bt cotton, there is an in-built pest cont
; or drug, device, and biological product and fixed dose combination would include two or more combinations of drug.
Examples of combination products may in
Examples of combination products may in
rol mechanism created in the cotton plant to fight against the bollworm pest. This unbelievable truth came into reality with the help of genetic engineering techniques only. The genetic engineering innovation not only reduces the consumption of pesticides but also increases the productivity of cotton by protecting the crop effectively from bollworm attack.
The history of genetic engineering is about 30 years old. Initially, it was developed to isolate a desired gene from any organism so as to insert into another organism. At that tim
The history of genetic engineering is about 30 years old. Initially, it was developed to isolate a desired gene from any organism so as to insert into another organism. At that tim
lude drug-coated devices, drugs packaged with delivery devices in medical kits, and drugs and devices packaged separately but intended to be used together.
, no one could imagine that the growth of genetically engineered crop would be surprisingly increased by more than 30 folds, from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 52.6 million hectares (or 130 million acres) in 2001 i.e. within the span of five years only. However, during 2001, only four countries have grown 99 per cent of the total transgenic crop of the world. These countries are the US (35.7 million hectares i.e. 68 per cent of the world total), Argentina (11 million ha i.e. 22 per cent of the world total), Canada (3.2 million i.e.
here is enormous increase in the number of combination products entering the market in the recent years. Combination products have proven advantages but fixe
6 per cent of the world total) and China (1.5 million i.e. 3 per cent of the world total).In case of transgenic cotton (Bt cotton), it was accounted for 13 per cent (6.8 million ha) of the total world transgenic crop cultivation area and approximately 20 per cent of the total world cotton cultivation area (34 million ha) in the year 2001.
In the history of Bt cotton, the toxin gene of bacterium was isolated in 1981 and in 1990 the first Bt protected cotton crop was field tested in USA. After the verification and examination of the sa
In the history of Bt cotton, the toxin gene of bacterium was isolated in 1981 and in 1990 the first Bt protected cotton crop was field tested in USA. After the verification and examination of the sa
d dose combinations are still in the process of convincing regulatory authority on their advantages over the single ingredient formulations.
Combination pro
Combination pro
ety and suitability of this crop by various government regulatory agencies of USA, Bt cotton was cultivated on 1.8 million acre in 1995. In 2001, the area of cultivation of Bt cotton in USA was 16.79 million acre showing more than ninefold increase in past six years. In 1997, China took up the cultivation of Bt cotton. Then 13 other countries followed it. In March 2002, cultivation of Bt cotton was allowed in India for large scale cultivation with certain conditions. The most important aspect for Bt cotton cultivation is the availabil
ucts have become life saving products for the pharmaceutical companies who doesn’t have many innovative molecules in their product pipeline and have been inc
ity of Bt cotton seeds to the cultivators. At present USA and China have successfully developed Bt cotton seeds indigenously but only USA have commercialised the seed distribution to other countries of the world through its major seed company, Monsanto.
What is Bt Cotton?
Bt Stands for Bacillus Thuringiensis. It is a genetically engineered variety of cotton that contains Bt gene. Bt gene is a soil bacterium used as an organic pesticide against the divesting caterpillar bollworm. Bt gene is also known as biological pesticide. In othe
What is Bt Cotton?
Bt Stands for Bacillus Thuringiensis. It is a genetically engineered variety of cotton that contains Bt gene. Bt gene is a soil bacterium used as an organic pesticide against the divesting caterpillar bollworm. Bt gene is also known as biological pesticide. In othe
easingly used in the product life cycle management. Even the companies having product patents are trying to extend their product life cycle through the combi
words, Bt cotton is transgenic cotton with insect killer gene that is transferred to it from soil bacteria called Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt). This gene produces a toxic protein, which is fatal to pests, particularly to bollworm. Thus cotton crop is effectively protected from the attack of bollworm.
So far as the quality of Bt Cotton is concerned, it resembles with a good variety of non-Bt cotton. This is because the transgenic insect resistant cotton is produced only by introducing insect resistant gene into the original cotton. It
So far as the quality of Bt Cotton is concerned, it resembles with a good variety of non-Bt cotton. This is because the transgenic insect resistant cotton is produced only by introducing insect resistant gene into the original cotton. It
nation products and maximize the revenues. But the companies involved in this practice are overlooking that they are burdening the patients both economically
does not change the original properties of carrier plant. The carrier plant that is transformed into transgenic Bt plant is already of fine variety. So it resembles the many fine varieties of cotton.
Benefit of Bt cotton cultivation
. The major benefit of Bt cotton cultivation is the reduction in the use of pesticides, which thereby, reduces the cost of cultivation. Since it reduces the use of pesticides thereby minimising the chemical pollution of soil and atmosphere, it is recognised as environment friendly or Eco-friendly. In th
Benefit of Bt cotton cultivation
. The major benefit of Bt cotton cultivation is the reduction in the use of pesticides, which thereby, reduces the cost of cultivation. Since it reduces the use of pesticides thereby minimising the chemical pollution of soil and atmosphere, it is recognised as environment friendly or Eco-friendly. In th
and physically. They need to rightly judge the benefits of the combination products and they have to even look at the risks involved when combining the produ
non-Bt cotton cultivation, generally, 15 rounds of spray of chemicals are required in a season to control the pest especially the bollworm. But in case of Bt cotton crop only 3 rounds of spray of chemicals are considered enough. The cost of chemicals for a single round of spray is around Rs 300 per hectare. It means that more than Rs 3,500 could be saved per hectare if Bt cotton is cultivated. In India, cotton cultivation area is only 5 per cent of the total agricultural area but it consumes around 50 per cent of the total pesticides
ts. Some of the combination products were well accepted by physicians while others suffered. Companies involved in development of combination products are fi
used for all the crops. In value terms the cost of pesticides used for non-Bt cotton cultivation is around Rs 2,000 crores.
Besides this, the yield increases by 30 per cent by better protection from the pests. The increase in productivity consequently increases the income of cotton farmers significantly. . In addition to the above, the studies indicate that a considerable extent of manpower is saved through reduced spray of pesticides in Bt cotton cultivation as compared to other varieties. . Bt cotton technology also reduces th
Besides this, the yield increases by 30 per cent by better protection from the pests. The increase in productivity consequently increases the income of cotton farmers significantly. . In addition to the above, the studies indicate that a considerable extent of manpower is saved through reduced spray of pesticides in Bt cotton cultivation as compared to other varieties. . Bt cotton technology also reduces th
ding difficulty in defining their combination products and facing various challenges from selecting a combination to marketing it.
Following aspects would a
Following aspects would a
e amount of exposure and risk involved in purchasing, transporting, mixing and spraying the insecticide (for caterpillar control) to the workers or cultivators of cotton.
Problems of Bt cotton cultivation
There are few problems in Bt cotton cultivation:
. The first problem is that the seeds produced after cultivation of Bt cotton are not reusable. For each time, the farmer has to buy seeds from Monsanto-Mahyco. Since Monsanto is in a monopolistic position so they are free to charge any price. This means benefits of Bt cotton to cul
Problems of Bt cotton cultivation
There are few problems in Bt cotton cultivation:
. The first problem is that the seeds produced after cultivation of Bt cotton are not reusable. For each time, the farmer has to buy seeds from Monsanto-Mahyco. Since Monsanto is in a monopolistic position so they are free to charge any price. This means benefits of Bt cotton to cul
dd to the challenges in developing combination products:
Which markets to tap where the combination products can do fairly well?
Which combination prod
Which markets to tap where the combination products can do fairly well?
Which combination prod
ivators will largely depend on the price of seeds at which they procure and availability of seeds at the time of season. In the long term, safeguarding the interest of farmers can be made against such a situation by developing indigenous technology.
. The second problem is that if Bt cotton is cultivated without the recommended method then bollworm pest might develop the resistance against Bt gene and that would lead to loss of effectiveness of natural eco-friendly pesticides forever.
. The third problem is the chance of availabilit
. The second problem is that if Bt cotton is cultivated without the recommended method then bollworm pest might develop the resistance against Bt gene and that would lead to loss of effectiveness of natural eco-friendly pesticides forever.
. The third problem is the chance of availabilit
cts are meaningful and rational?
Which therapeutic categories to select?
Which Combinations can address unmet needs of the patients?
Do combin
Which therapeutic categories to select?
Which Combinations can address unmet needs of the patients?
Do combin
y of fake seeds of Bt cotton in the market. And it would be difficult for a farmer to differentiate between Bt and non-Bt cotton seeds. As a result the failure of crops and uncertainty of yield could be higher.
. There is also a big threat of gene contamination. It might be carried by insect or even wind that transfer pollen grains from Bt cotton to non-Bt cotton plants cultivated nearby.
Safeguard measures
In order to minimise the negative aspects of Bt cotton cultivation following safeguard measures may be adopted:
. There is an
. There is also a big threat of gene contamination. It might be carried by insect or even wind that transfer pollen grains from Bt cotton to non-Bt cotton plants cultivated nearby.
Safeguard measures
In order to minimise the negative aspects of Bt cotton cultivation following safeguard measures may be adopted:
. There is an
tions increase the patient compliance?
What would be the developing cost?
How to tackle the risks encountered during combination product developmen
What would be the developing cost?
How to tackle the risks encountered during combination product developmen
urgent need to create awareness among the farmers about the entire Bt-technology and its functioning, because farmers are under the impression that Bt cotton is the panacea for all the woes (pest problem). They seem to understand that usage of Bt cotton seeds will eliminate the complete use of pesticides and production will increase considerably. This kind of myth should be removed from their minds or else this might lead to a situation where farmers start rejecting the technology in the event of not realising their expected gains. Th
t?
As combination products don't fit into the traditional categories of drugs, medical devices, or biological products, the USFDA is in the process of devel
As combination products don't fit into the traditional categories of drugs, medical devices, or biological products, the USFDA is in the process of devel
is kind of scenario will be dangerous for the country's cotton economy which requires infusion of latest technology and management practices for its overall growth.
. There is also great need for training to the cotton farmers about the recommended methods of Bt cotton cultivation i.e. 80 per cent of Bt cotton and 20 per cent of non-Bt cotton farming and 3 to 3.5 metre border plantation of non-Bt cotton in Bt cotton field. This minimises the chance of development of resistance in bollworm pests against the Bt gene and also reduces th
. There is also great need for training to the cotton farmers about the recommended methods of Bt cotton cultivation i.e. 80 per cent of Bt cotton and 20 per cent of non-Bt cotton farming and 3 to 3.5 metre border plantation of non-Bt cotton in Bt cotton field. This minimises the chance of development of resistance in bollworm pests against the Bt gene and also reduces th
ping new procedures for reviewing their safety, efficacy and quality.
Professional from academic institutions, pharmaceutical industries, health care indust
Professional from academic institutions, pharmaceutical industries, health care indust
chances of genetic contamination.
For the welfare of Bt cotton cultivators, the government should establish an institution or organisation which will prevent the selling of fake Bt cotton seeds and also meet the requirement of Bt cotton cultivator regarding the type of training or help they need. This organisation should also be empowered to interfere in the pricing policy of Bt cotton seeds so that Bt cotton seed distribution companies do not charge extraordinary price to the cotton farmers. In order to check the fake Bt cotton see
For the welfare of Bt cotton cultivators, the government should establish an institution or organisation which will prevent the selling of fake Bt cotton seeds and also meet the requirement of Bt cotton cultivator regarding the type of training or help they need. This organisation should also be empowered to interfere in the pricing policy of Bt cotton seeds so that Bt cotton seed distribution companies do not charge extraordinary price to the cotton farmers. In order to check the fake Bt cotton see
y and representatives from various regulatory agencies are working out to design the regulatory requirements for manufacture and sale of combination products
ds being supplied to the farmers, some private companies as well as CICR have already developed certain tools, but these are to be made available in the market at nominal prices.
. For the welfare of Bt cotton cultivators, the government should enact some law so that Bt cotton seeds distributor companies pay compensation to the Bt cotton cultivators in case of seeds failure under ideal conditions. A special crop insurance scheme may be developed.
. There is also a need for the development of indigenous Bt cotton seeds in India so th
. For the welfare of Bt cotton cultivators, the government should enact some law so that Bt cotton seeds distributor companies pay compensation to the Bt cotton cultivators in case of seeds failure under ideal conditions. A special crop insurance scheme may be developed.
. There is also a need for the development of indigenous Bt cotton seeds in India so th
.
As there is an increasing trend of the combination products companies manufacturing such products should be able to tackle the problems involved in the de
As there is an increasing trend of the combination products companies manufacturing such products should be able to tackle the problems involved in the de
t our farmers need not depend solely on Monsanto Bt cotton seeds.
Conclusion
Bt cotton is spreading very rapidly, driven by farmers' demand for technology that will reduce the costs of pesticide application and exposure to pesticides, and will allow them to use their time more profitably. They have been able to increase their yield per ha, and reduce pesticide costs, the time spent spraying dangerous pesticides, and the number of incidences of pesticide poisoning.
Bt cotton is undoubtedly the most extensively studied cotton variety
Conclusion
Bt cotton is spreading very rapidly, driven by farmers' demand for technology that will reduce the costs of pesticide application and exposure to pesticides, and will allow them to use their time more profitably. They have been able to increase their yield per ha, and reduce pesticide costs, the time spent spraying dangerous pesticides, and the number of incidences of pesticide poisoning.
Bt cotton is undoubtedly the most extensively studied cotton variety
elopment. They need to be wiser in analyzing the market trends and the regulatory requirements.
Companies that provide selfless information through particip
Companies that provide selfless information through particip
today. Rigorous scientific studies conducted in India and abroad demonstrate that Bt cotton and its products are safe for the environment, humans, animals, and agriculture. In fact, the use of Bt cotton is a positive step towards environmental protection because it makes possible the reduction of the insecticide load in the environment and reduces handling of such chemicals by farmers. This reduced use of insecticides will enhance the effectiveness of biological controls and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs
tion in industry events and feedback to regulatory authorities would be able to face the challenges and will be successful in developing combination products
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