Bt cotton is a genetically modified variety of cotton that has been engineered to express a toxin from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This toxin helps protect the cotton plants from certain pests, particularly the cotton bollworm, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and increasing crop yields. Farmers who grow Bt cotton often experience lower pest damage and higher profits due to reduced pesticide costs. However, the use of genetically modified crops like Bt cotton has sparked debates about environmental impact, biodiversity, and food safety, making it a significant topic in modern agriculture.