Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Q5. Why are Indian farmers shifting towards high-cost seed varieties despite technological and ecological concerns? Assess its implications for farm economics and rural livelihoods. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
The silent spread of unapproved herbicide-tolerant cotton in states like Madhya Pradesh highlights gaps in farm extension, rising costs, and ecological risks, making it a relevant governance and sustainability issue.Key demand of the question
To explain the drivers pushing farmers towards costly seed adoption despite concerns, and to analyse its broader consequences for farm economics and rural society.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Situate the issue in the context of Bt cotton stagnation, pest resistance, and farmer dependence on new technologies.Body
- Reasons for shift – pest resistance, labour scarcity, aspirations for higher yield, influence of informal seed networks, perceived dual benefits.
- Implications – rising input burden, market vulnerability, ecological and health risks, loss of crop diversity, rural inequalities.
Conclusion
Stress the need for balancing farmer aspirations with biosafety, affordable innovation, and stronger public R&D.
