Farmers’ perception on benefits of growing Bt cotton

The present study was conducted to understand the socio-economic characteristics of Bt cotton growers and their perception of risks and benefits. The data were collected from 60 Bt cotton growers of Harapanahalli and Jagalur Taluks of Davanagere district by applying random sampling technique. Results revealed that most of the Bt cotton growers were middle aged (58.33%), having medium education (70.00%), medium land holding (41.67%), low annual income (40.00%), low social participation (83.33%), medium innovative proneness (71.67%), low extension contact (55.00%), low mass media exposure (70.00%), medium scientific orientation (41.67%) and medium level of experience in Bt cotton cultivation (81.67%). With respect to perception of risks superiority of Bt cotton compared to conventional cotton was considered and cent per cent of the respondents expressed that there was a reduction in the boll worm incidence to the extent of 92.83 per cent and also cent per cent of them perceived that Bt cotton cultivation had resulted in reduction of number of plant protection chemical sprayings to a tune of 68.25 per cent as compared to conventional cotton. Majority of them agreed that Bt cotton was compatible with existing farming practices of the locality.