PPP Special 08 - Institut für Entwicklungs- und Agrarökonomik

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9. Bt cotton seems to be performing better under irrigated
conditions; local varieties appear to be better adjusted to rainfed
conditions. This difference was even more pronounced for
farmers who no longer grew conventional cotton in 2002.
10. Economic analysis of cotton production indicated that cost for
labour and fertiliser were the major expense in non-Bt
production while in Bt cotton, besides labour, seeds became a
major cost factor.
11. The differences between seed, pesticide and input costs of Bt
and non-Bt production were statistically significant. Pesticide
costs were low for both Bt and non-Bt cotton.
12. Despite higher yields for Bt cotton under irrigated conditions, the
differences in gross margins were non-significant. Gross
margins for Bt cotton were higher on average under irrigation.
The yield advantage of Bt that existed under irrigation was offset
by higher production costs and especially by lower product
prices.