The development of new Bt cotton events, Tg2E13 and CH12, by ICAR-CICR, engineered for enhanced resistance against the resilient pink bollworm, offers a profound beacon of hope for over 6 million Indian cotton farmers, empowering them to reclaim their livelihoods and restore dignity to rural communities battered by decades of pest-related losses.
For 20 years, Bt cotton was a transformative force, reducing pesticide use and boosting yields, but the resurgence of the pink bollworm has threatened farmer profits and confidence, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions. These new biotech seeds promise to curb pesticide reliance, protect crop yields, and strengthen economic stability, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and the well-being of farming families.
By planting these seeds of resilience, CICR fosters a brighter, more prosperous future for India’s cotton belt, ensuring that farmers can thrive with renewed hope and security. Now, the ICAR–Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) has rolled out fresh Bt events—Tg2E13 (cry1Ac) and CH12 (cry2Ax1)—to reboot pest resistance and strengthen India’s cotton future.
New Bt Cotton Events Developed by CICR
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Bt Events | Tg2E13 (cry1Ac), CH12 (cry2Ax1), Mon531 combination |
| Developed By | ICAR–CICR Nagpur, with partners TNAU, DU, CSIR labs |
| Pest Targets | Pink bollworm, American bollworm |
| Performance | Tg2E13 = highly effective; CH12 = moderate vs American bollworm |
| Breeding Strategy | Introgression through backcrossing + ELISA screening |
| Commercial Status | Still under testing; not deregulated yet |
| Global Context | US & Brazil use stacked Bt + RNAi; India catching up |
| Official Source | ICAR-CICR |
The introduction of new Bt cotton events, Tg2E13 and CH12, by ICAR-CICR, designed for stronger resistance against the pink bollworm, represents a beacon of hope for over 6 million Indian cotton farmers, empowering them to protect their livelihoods and foster sustainable prosperity in rural communities. These innovative seeds promise to reduce reliance on chemical sprays, boost crop yields, and enhance economic stability.
Offering a lifeline to families who depend on cotton—India’s “white gold”—for their survival. By advancing biotechnology that safeguards both the environment and farmer well-being, this initiative reflects a deep commitment to ensuring dignity, resilience, and opportunity, planting the seeds for a brighter, more sustainable future across India’s cotton belt.
A Quick History of Bt Cotton in India
Bt cotton was approved in India in 2002, after years of debate. Adoption skyrocketed:
- 2002 → 0% adoption
- 2005 → 15% adoption
- 2010 → 80% adoption
- Today → Over 90% of India’s cotton area is Bt cotton
It reduced pesticide sprays by nearly 50%, improved farmer incomes, and made India the world’s largest cotton producer. But by 2015, pink bollworm resistance began surfacing—especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana.
The Pink Bollworm Crisis
The PBW isn’t new. It’s been around in India since the early 1900s. But the real shock came when it started overcoming Bollgard II Bt cotton. Farmers reported:
- 20–25% yield loss on average.
- In hotspots, losses touched 40–50%.
- Increased sprays (6–8 per season) pushed farmers into debt.
This crisis underscored the need for new genes and smarter strategies.
What CICR Did Differently
CICR, India’s nodal cotton research institute, got down to business:
- Identified new Bt genes → Tg2E13 (cry1Ac) and CH12 (cry2Ax1).
- Transferred genes into popular Indian cotton lines using backcrossing.
- Screened plants via ELISA to ensure proper gene expression.
- Tested efficacy against pink and American bollworms.
Results?
- Tg2E13 → Showed strong resistance to both pink and American bollworms.
- CH12 → Worked moderately well against American bollworm but weaker against PBW.
These events are now being combined into pyramided varieties, stacking multiple genes to give pests fewer chances to adapt.
Collaboration Makes the Difference
This isn’t just CICR’s solo gig. It’s a national team effort:
- TNAU–Coimbatore: Testing regional adaptability.
- Delhi University: Advanced molecular breeding.
- CSIR–NBRI: Gene introgression and plant validation.
Such collaboration ensures the new Bt events aren’t just lab wonders—they’re field-ready across India’s diverse cotton zones.
Global Comparison: Where India Stands
| Country | Approach | Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Stacked Bt + RNAi | 95% cotton area |
| Brazil | Bt + herbicide tolerance | 85% cotton area |
| China | Hybrid Bt + refuge strategies | 80% cotton area |
| India | Bt (cry1Ac, cry2Ab), now adding new events | 90% cotton area |
India is catching up by introducing fresh events, but still needs faster regulatory approvals and farmer-friendly pricing.
Policy & Regulation: The Road Ahead
Bt crops in India need approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) before commercialization. That means:
- Biosafety trials.
- Environmental risk assessment.
- Multi-year, multi-location testing.
CICR’s new events are in research stages. Full farmer access could take 3–5 years, depending on policy speed.
What’s Beyond Bt? Future Tech
Bt isn’t the end of the road. Scientists are already exploring:
- CRISPR gene editing → to create pest-tolerant cotton without foreign genes.
- RNA interference (RNAi) → silencing pest genes directly.
- Stacked traits → combining Bt with herbicide tolerance and drought resilience.
These could future-proof cotton farming for decades.
Farmer Voices
Farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra, hit hardest by PBW, are cautiously optimistic.
“Bt cotton saved us once. But lately, sprays are back and yields are down. If CICR gives us new seeds that work, we’ll adopt them. Just keep the prices fair,” says Ramesh, a farmer from Akola, Maharashtra.
Practical Checklist for Stakeholders
For Farmers:
- Follow IRM practices (refuge planting, crop rotation).
- Stick to certified seeds.
- Attend CICR field demonstrations.
For Policymakers:
- Fast-track GEAC approvals.
- Provide subsidies for new seeds.
- Support smallholder training.
For Industry:
- Partner with CICR for seed multiplication.
- Ensure transparent pricing.
- Work with extension services to spread awareness.
FAQs
Q1. Are new Bt events commercially available?
Not yet—they’re in research and testing phases.
Q2. Will seed costs go up?
Possibly, but CICR’s public breeding aims to keep them affordable.
Q3. Do farmers still need pesticides?
Yes, but fewer sprays compared to non-Bt cotton.
Q4. How do these events help exports?
By protecting yields and fiber quality, India can maintain its position as the world’s largest cotton producer.
Q5. Can small farmers access these seeds?
Yes, once approved. Government programs aim to ensure equitable access.
