The Mumbai-based Mahyco-Monsanto Biotech (India) Ltd has claimed that the three varieties of Bt cotton hybrids – Mech 12, Mech 162, and Mech 184- have proved success. Farmers planted during last kharif season have lived up to expectations even as 65-70 percent reduction in the use of pesticides. There occurs an increase in income through higher yield. The company said that nearly 55,000 farmers harvested the insect-protected Bollgard, the first genetically modified crop to be planted in the country. 

The sample study conducted by the company showed that an average increase in yield is 3.24 quintal per acre and an average reduction in the cost for the use of pesticide is Rs 770 per acre. And is translating an increase in income for farmers to the extent of Rs. 7,260 per acre. Four teams of the Government comprising scientists monitored the crop. The company distributed 1.05 lakh packets of Bollgard to the farmers of six states namely Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The company said that it has collected comprehensive information from a large sampe of farmers who completed their final picking in five states.