Constraints in adoption of recommended production techniques for bt cotton

Cotton is an important cash crop of India. Genetically modified Bt cotton is relatively new technology aims at better management of insect-pests reducing the heavy reliance on pesticides. The present study was conducted on 160 Bt cotton growers in Muktsar district of Punjab to analyse the constraints faced by them in adopting recommended production technique of Bt cotton. A structured interview schedule was prepared to collect the data from the respondents. Lack of knowledge emerged as the most important constraint in adoption of various recommended cultural and biological practices of Bt cotton viz. adoption of refuge crop, non-conservation of natural enemies, incorrect plant spacing and not observing ETL for insect pest management. Respondents also expressed the problem of non-availability of quality seed, canal irrigation, fertilizers and labour for various crop operations. Bt cotton growers also faced the problems related to weather conditions like high temperature during germination period, excessive rains and rising underground water. Study also revealed that majority of the respondents (96.88%) had faced the problem of high cost of inputs like seed, pesticides, fertilizer and labour. Majority of the respondents i.e. 95.00 per cent of the respondents felt that the MSP for Bt cotton crop is not remunerative. Poor underground water, development of resistance in insect pests and timely advice of agricultural expert were some other constraints faced by the respondents.