I
f you search the Internet for Monsanto, you will likely come across claims that failure of our Bollgard® cotton seed products has caused many farmers in India to take their own lives. Not everything you see or read on the Internet is fact and this is a good example.
The reality is that that the tragic phenomena of farmer suicides in India began long before the introduction of Bollgard in 2002. Farmer suicide has numerous causes with most experts agreeing that indebtedness is one of the main factors. Farmers unable to repay loans and facing spiraling interest often see suicide as the only solution.
In fact, a 2004 survey of cotton farmers in India by the IMRB International showed a 118 percent increase in profit for farmers planting Bollgard over traditional cotton. The same survey showed a 64 percent increase in yield and a 25 percent reduction in pesticide costs.
Farmers are Monsanto’s customers, and we are successful only if our customers are successful. Farmers in India have found success with Bollgard. We have many repeat customers and many new ones there every year.
Don’t take our word for it. See what farmers in India have to say about Bollgard and their successes.
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Last Updated: 5/21/2012
