Bt cotton, pink bollworm, and the political economy of sociobiological obsolescence: insights from Telangana, India

Abstract After genetically engineered Bt cotton lost its effectiveness in central and southern Indian states, pink bollworm infestations have recently returned to farmers’ fields substantially shifted their vulnerability context. We conceive as a neoliberal technology that is built protect farmers only temporarily from Lepidopteran pests while ultimately driving the further concentration of capital. Based on data representative survey three major cotton-producing districts state Telangana (n = 457), we find pest are shock lead severe losses yield income. Using concept framework, embed our findings political-economic context by drawing Harvey’s notion accumulation dispossession. argue includes an inherent sociobiological obsolescence results systematic dispossession resource-poor households providing appropriation opportunities for other actors. Finally, reproduced hegemonic structures facilitate capital through redistribution assets bottom top agricultural sector. Claims considered pro-poor were thus flawed outset.