The introduction of genetically modified (Bt) cotton in 2002 helped push India to the rank of second-largest global producer. However, this has also led to a decline in output of premium quality cotton. “Bt has really helped certain varieties (long staple) of cotton. But, the output of other varieties, including extra long staple (ELS) and short staple (SS), has declined over the years since farmers switched to the high-yielding Bt crop,” said A B Joshi, commissioner in the Union ministry of textiles. Consequently, import of ELS cotton is estimated to increase to 1.7 million bales (170 kg each) in the current cotton year, a rise of nearly 90 per cent from the previous year.