Cotton Cultivation in India | 28 Jun 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

The data recently released by the Ministry of Textiles shows that cotton consumption by the textile industry from October 2023 to September 2024 is one of the highest seen in this decade.

What are the Key Facts About Cotton Cultivation?

• About:
  • Cotton is one of the most important commercial crops cultivated in India and accounts for around 25% of the total global cotton production.
    • Due to its economic importance in India, it is also termed as “White-Gold”.
  • In India, around 67% of India’s cotton is grown in rain-fed areas and 33% in irrigated areas.
• Growing Conditions:
  • Cotton cultivation necessitates a hot, and sunny climate with a long frost-free period. It is most productive in warm and humid climatic conditions.
  • Cotton can be successfully grown in a range of soil types, including well-drained deep alluvial soils in northern regions, variable-depth black clayey soils in the central region, and mixed black and red soils in the southern zone.
    • While cotton exhibits some tolerance to salinity, it is highly sensitive to waterlogging, emphasising the importance of well-drained soils in cotton farming.
• Hybrid and Bt Cotton:
  • Hybrid Cotton: Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characteristics. Hybrids are often spontaneously and randomly created in nature when open-pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties.
  • Bt Cotton: It is a genetically modified pest-resistant variety of cotton.
• India’s Scenario:
  • Rank in Global Production (November 2023): Globally, India is the largest producer of cotton, while China is the second-largest producer, and the United States is the third-largest producer.

  • Largest Producing Zone (2022-23): Central Zone (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh).

What are the Issues Associated with the Cotton Sector in India?

• Pest Attack: In past instances, the primary factor responsible for the decline of cotton production was the emergence of the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella).
  • When pink bollworm (PBW) larvae invade cotton bolls, it causes cotton plants to produce less cotton and the cotton produced is of lower quality.
  • PBW is monophagous (that primarily feeds on a single specific type of food), feeding mainly on cotton, which contributes to the development of resistance against Bt proteins.
    • Continuous cultivation of Bt hybrids led to PBW populations developing resistance, replacing susceptible ones.
  • Several states like Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan have over the years experienced heavy infestation of the pest.
• Yield Fluctuations: Cotton production in India can be quite unpredictable due to several factors.
  • Limited access to irrigation systems, declining soil fertility, and erratic weather patterns, including unexpected droughts or excessive rainfall, contribute to the uncertainty surrounding cotton yields.
• Smallholder Dominance: The majority of cotton farming in India is carried out by small-scale farmers.
  • These farmers often rely on traditional agricultural practices and have limited access to modern farming technologies, which in turn affects overall cotton production.
• Limited Market Access: A significant number of cotton growers in India face constraints in reaching markets and are compelled to sell their harvest at reduced rates to intermediaries.

Way Forward

• Integrated Pest Management: There is a need to advocate for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine natural controls, trap crops, and beneficial insects to reduce pesticide dependency while effectively managing pests.
• Address the Yield Gap: India leads in cotton acreage but lags in yield compared to major producers. Initiatives like the Large-Scale Demonstrations Project under NFSM can promote best practices like High-Density Planting Systems (HDPS) and a value chain approach to bridge this gap.
• Modernisation and Infrastructure Development: Leverage schemes like the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) and Mega Textile Parks (MITRA) to modernise ginning, spinning, and weaving facilities, enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness.
• Improve MSP Calculation: The recently revised MSP formula (1.5 times the cost of production) ensures a fair return for farmers. Continued refinement based on NITI Aayog recommendations can further strengthen farmer income security.
• Strengthen Market Linkages: Initiatives like a robust procurement system, price stabilisation funds, and robust cotton grading and standardisation mechanisms can help farmers get better prices and reduce exploitation by middlemen.
• Branding and Traceability: Initiatives like "Kasturi Cotton" can create a distinct identity for Indian cotton in the global market, emphasizing quality assurance and traceability. This can attract premium prices and foster trust with international buyers.