Global Impact of Insect-Resistant (Bt) Cotton

Insect-resistant cotton was first introduced commercially in 1996. It is commonly referred to as Bt cotton, because it produces an insecticidal protein from the naturally occurring soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Global adoption of Bt cotton has risen dramatically from 800,000 hectares in its year of introduction in 1996 to 5.7 million hectares (alone and stacked with herbicide-tolerant cotton) in 2003. Significant economic and production advantages have resulted from growing Bt cotton globally. Bt cotton can substantially reduce the number of pesticide sprayings, which reduces worker and environmental exposure to chemical insecticides and reduces energy use. The quality of life for farmers and their families can be improved by the increased income and time savings offered by Bt cotton. These economic, environmental, and social benefits are being realized by large and smallholder farmers alike in eight countries around the world.