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Bt Cotton and Farmer Suicides in India: An Evidence-based Assessment

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  • Guillaume Gruere
  • Debdatta Sengupta

Abstract

Bt cotton is accused of being responsible for an increase of farmer suicides in India. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of evidence on Bt cotton and farmer suicides. Available data show no evidence of a 'resurgence' of farmer suicides. Moreover, Bt cotton technology has been very effective overall in India. Nevertheless, in specific districts and years, Bt cotton may have indirectly contributed to farmer indebtedness, leading to suicides, but its failure was mainly the result of the context or environment in which it was planted.

Suggested Citation

  • Guillaume Gruere & Debdatta Sengupta, 2011. "Bt Cotton and Farmer Suicides in India: An Evidence-based Assessment," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(2), pages 316-337.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:47:y:2011:i:2:p:316-337
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2010.492863
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    1. Falck-Zepeda, José & Gruère, Guillaume & Horna, Daniela & Jones, Hannah & Matuschke, Ira & Nagarajan, Latha & Smale, Melinda & Yerramareddy, Indira & Zambrano, Patricia, 2009. "Measuring the economic impacts of transgenic crops in developing agriculture during the first decade: Approaches, findings, and future directions," Food policy reviews 10, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Gandhi, Vasant P. & Namboodiri N V, 2006. "The Adoption and Economics of Bt Cotton in India: Preliminary Results from a Study," IIMA Working Papers WP2006-09-04, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.
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