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Abstract
The benefits of growing organic cotton were advocated in a recent contribution to this Forum. While welcoming a debate on this subject, we advocate a closer look at the history of cotton in Africa, whereby for decades farmers did grow cotton without insecticides. We believe that while there may be a market for ‘organic’ cotton production, it would be a retrograde step to ignore the technological advances that enable much higher yields to be obtained economically. What is needed is improved training and extension services backed up by an on-going research programme for IPM/ICM utilising the most appropriate technologies. Continuing research is needed to integrate new technology of benefit to the small-scale farmer, whether aiming at organic production or higher yields by integrating rational use of biotechnology and pesticides.