Bt Cotton Varieties by CICR: The Bt Cotton varieties by CICR are proving to be a major breakthrough in Indian agriculture. Developed by the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), these varieties provide high-yielding, pest-resistant, and cost-effective alternatives to private hybrid seeds—especially for small and marginal farmers across India.
Cotton is one of India’s most critical commercial crops, but it has long faced challenges like bollworm infestations, expensive inputs, and seed monopoly by private firms. CICR’s indigenously developed Bt cotton varieties are helping solve these problems by putting affordable, reusable, and region-specific options into the hands of Indian farmers.
Bt Cotton Varieties by CICR
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developed By | ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) |
| Main Benefit | Pest-resistant (especially bollworm), cost-effective, and reusable seeds |
| Key Varieties | PKV 081 Bt, Bt 6, Yugank Bt, Tejas Bt |
| Yield Potential | Up to 30.46 quintals per hectare |
| Target Zones | Central, North, and South India |
| Farmer Benefit | Lower input costs, increased profitability |
| Official Website | https://cicr.org.in |
The Bt cotton varieties developed by CICR represent a significant leap forward for India’s cotton economy. From cost savings and increased yields to environmental sustainability and self-reliance, CICR’s public-sector innovation is rewriting the future of Indian agriculture. For millions of cotton farmers, these seeds don’t just grow crops—they grow opportunity.
What is Bt Cotton?
Bt cotton is genetically modified to include the Cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces a protein toxic to bollworms—one of the deadliest pests in cotton farming. The plant naturally wards off this pest, reducing the need for repeated pesticide spraying.
The benefits include:
- Reduced pesticide use
- Healthier soil and environment
- Lower cultivation cost
- Improved yields
CICR’s Role in Bt Cotton Innovation
CICR’s mission is to empower farmers with scientifically validated and publicly developed alternatives to private-sector hybrids. While private Bt hybrids dominate the market, they are expensive, and farmers cannot reuse the seeds. CICR’s open-pollinated Bt varieties can be reused, making them economical and sustainable.
The varieties are suited for different agro-climatic zones, designed to work with modern techniques like High-Density Planting System (HDPS), and tested through multi-location trials.
Detailed Guide: Top Bt Cotton Varieties by CICR
1. ICAR-CICR PKV 081 Bt
- Region: Maharashtra (rainfed)
- Yield: Up to 27 quintals/ha
- Fiber Length: 28.5 mm
- Strength: 27.9 g/tex
- Ideal for: Dryland farmers using HDPS
2. ICAR-CICR Bt 6
- Region: Punjab, Haryana
- Yield: 30.46 quintals/ha
- Resistance: Moderate to CLCuV
- Highlight: Best performing publicly released Bt variety in North India
3. CICR-H Bt Cotton 60 (Yugank Bt)
- Region: Central India
- Yield: 22.1 quintals/ha
- Fiber Strength: 25.7 g/tex
- Ideal for: HDPS and early harvests
4. CICR-H Bt Cotton 61 (Tejas Bt)
- Region: Central India
- Yield: 20.5 quintals/ha
- Best Use: Uniform growth, HDPS adoption
Real Farmer Impact: A Story from Jalgaon, Maharashtra
Sunil Patil, a cotton farmer from Jalgaon, adopted PKV 081 Bt in 2023. Earlier, he spent ₹3,000–₹4,000 every season on hybrid seeds. With CICR’s seeds, he reused his crop seeds the next year and saw his pesticide expenses drop by nearly 50%. His net profit rose by ₹20,000 per hectare, and he called it “the smartest switch of his career.”
Challenges Farmers Face in Adoption
While CICR’s Bt cotton is promising, some barriers remain:
- Limited awareness in remote areas.
- Seed availability bottlenecks at local markets.
- Perceived bias towards private seed brands due to aggressive marketing.
To overcome these, more outreach via Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and FPOs is needed.
Environmental & Scientific Perspective
How the Cry1Ac Gene Works
The Cry1Ac protein, when consumed by bollworms, disrupts their gut lining, leading to death. It’s specific to certain insects and non-toxic to humans or livestock.
Sustainability Wins
- Less pesticide runoff
- Improved biodiversity
- Reduced carbon footprint
Still, experts caution that pest resistance management is crucial. Farmers must use refuge crops (non-Bt cotton) to prevent resistance buildup.
Organic Cotton vs Bt Cotton: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Bt Cotton | Organic Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Pest Control | In-built (GM trait) | Manual (bio-sprays, neem) |
| Yield | Higher | Lower |
| Seed Cost | Moderate (reusable) | High (certified organic) |
| Certification Needed | No | Yes |
| Use of Chemicals | Reduced | None |
Organic appeals to niche markets and exports, while Bt cotton supports mass-scale food and textile security.
Regulatory & Policy Backing
CICR’s Bt varieties are approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under India’s Ministry of Environment. The varieties follow:
- Biosafety guidelines
- Field trial data collection
- Public benefit evaluation
These releases align with the National Seed Policy and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) mission, reducing foreign dependency.
Future Outlook: What CICR Is Planning Next
CICR is working on:
- Bt cotton with stacked genes for resistance to multiple pests.
- Climate-resilient cotton varieties that can withstand drought or excess rainfall.
- Digital advisory tools for farmers using AI and mobile alerts.
This research is expected to further reduce input costs and increase climate adaptability in cotton farming.
How to Get CICR Bt Cotton Seeds
- Contact your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra
- Approach State Agriculture Offices
- Visit https://cicr.org.in for updates
- Check for FPOs or seed distribution partners in your district
FAQs About Bt Cotton Varieties by CICR
Q1: Can CICR Bt cotton seeds be reused?
Yes, most CICR varieties are open-pollinated and can be reused for the next season.
Q2: Are they cheaper than private hybrids?
Absolutely. They are often 30–50% cheaper and don’t need to be repurchased yearly.
Q3: What pests are controlled by Bt cotton?
Mainly bollworms like the American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).
Q4: Is Bt cotton allowed under Indian law?
Yes. Approved varieties by GEAC and ICAR are legal for commercial cultivation.
Q5: Are these seeds certified?
Yes, all CICR Bt varieties go through extensive testing and certification under the Seed Act.
