(a) whether the Government is aware that Bt. cotton cultivation is responsible for significant
increase in the use of pesticides resulting in increasing toxicity of the soil;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): There are a limited number of studies on the impact of genetically modified crops on soil microbial activities. There is also no evidence of transfer of transgenes to native soil microorganisms occurring in the soil. On the other hand, studies conducted by Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur and Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISR), Bhopal have not detected any reduction in soil microbial activities, even as compared to non-Bt cotton cropping system.
(c) Does not arise.