The first genetically engineered crop introduced in India was Bt cotton, which was developed by inserting a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the cotton plant. This gene enables the cotton to produce a protein that is toxic to specific pests, particularly the cotton bollworm. This innovation has had a significant impact on cotton farming in India.

One of the major advantages of Bt cotton is the increase in crop yield. By effectively reducing pest damage, farmers can harvest more cotton, which often translates to higher profits. Additionally, the use of Bt cotton has led to a reduction in the need for chemical pesticides. This not only lowers the cost of pest control for farmers but also has positive implications for the environment, as reduced pesticide application decreases chemical runoff and potential harm to beneficial insects and pollinators.

However, there are also notable disadvantages associated with Bt cotton. Environmental concerns include the potential for harming non-target species and the impact on biodiversity. Moreover, the over-reliance on a single method of pest control may lead to the development of resistance among pest populations, diminishing the effectiveness of Bt cotton over time. Finally, socioeconomic issues arise as farmers may become dependent on purchasing biotech seeds each season, potentially leading to financial strain, particularly for smallholder farmers. Balancing these pros and cons is essential for sustainable agricultural practices in the long term.

The first genetically engineered crop introduced in India was Bt cotton, which was developed by inserting a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the cotton plant. This gene enables the cotton to produce a protein that is toxic to specific pests, particularly the cotton bollworm. This innovation has had a significant impact on cotton farming in India.

One of the major advantages of Bt cotton is the increase in crop yield. By effectively reducing pest damage, farmers can harvest more cotton, which often translates to higher profits. Additionally, the use of Bt cotton has led to a reduction in the need for chemical pesticides. This not only lowers the cost of pest control for farmers but also has positive implications for the environment, as reduced pesticide application decreases chemical runoff and potential harm to beneficial insects and pollinators.

However, there are also notable disadvantages associated with Bt cotton. Environmental concerns include the potential for harming non-target species and the impact on biodiversity. Moreover, the over-reliance on a single method of pest control may lead to the development of resistance among pest populations, diminishing the effectiveness of Bt cotton over time. Finally, socioeconomic issues arise as farmers may become dependent on purchasing biotech seeds each season, potentially leading to financial strain, particularly for smallholder farmers. Balancing these pros and cons is essential for sustainable agricultural practices in the long term.