4th June 2025 (13 Topics)

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Reviving India's Cotton Sector

Context

India’s cotton yield remains significantly lower than global averages, especially when compared to China. In response to falling yields and declining output, the Union Government has initiated steps to launch a National Cotton Productivity Mission aimed at doubling yield and revitalizing the cotton economy.

India’s Cotton Yield Crisis

India’s average cotton yield: 465 kg/hectare (FY25 est.)
In contrast, China’s average yield is over 2,170 kg/ha, the highest in the world.
India is the second-largest producer of cotton after China but lags significantly in yield efficiency.

Declining Production Trends

2022-23: 33.7 million bales
2023-24: 32.5 million bales
2024-25 (est.): 30.7 million bales
(1 bale = 170 kg)

National Cotton Productivity Mission

Jointly driven by Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Agriculture.

Objectives of the Mission

Doubling average yield to 1,000 kg/ha across 11 key cotton-growing states.
Introduce new high-yielding seed varieties.
Promote mechanisation in cotton farming.
Encourage crop diversification to improve sustainability.

Key Structural Interventions Proposed

Revamping seed supply chain
Facilitating access to modern farm machinery
Addressing regional constraints like pest resistance and irrigation gaps
Enhancing farmer training and extension services

Cotton Cultivation

Economic Importance:

Cotton is a cash crop and supports the livelihood of millions in India—especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana.
India has the largest area under cotton cultivation globally but lags in productivity compared to countries like China and the US.
Known as “White-Gold” due to its high market value and role in the textile industry.

Agro-Climatic Conditions:

Temperature: Requires a warm climate (21°C to 30°C); susceptible to frost.
Rainfall: Ideal range is 50–100 cm; mostly rain-fed crop in India.
Sunlight: Needs clear, sunny weather during growth and maturity.
Soil:
- Black soils (Regur) in Deccan Plateau – rich in minerals, moisture-retentive.
- Alluvial soils in north India – especially Punjab and Haryana.
- Well-drained soils essential – highly sensitive to waterlogging.
Salinity tolerance: Moderate; can grow in mildly saline soils.

Cotton Varieties:

Hybrid Cotton:
- First commercial hybrid cotton was released in India in 1970.
- Longer staple length and higher yield than traditional varieties.
Bt Cotton:
- Introduced in India in 2002.
- Contains genes from Bacillus thuringiensis to resist bollworm pests.
- Accounts for over 90% of India’s cotton area.
- Controversial due to issues like pest resistance, input costs, and environmental concerns.

Zones of Cultivation:

India has three major cotton-growing zones:

Northern Zone – Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.
Central Zone – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Largest producer).
Southern Zone – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.

Major Challenges in India:

Pest attacks (Pink Bollworm resurgence despite Bt cotton).
Low productivity per hectare.
Dependence on monsoon rains.
High cost of hybrid/Bt seeds and inputs.
Farmers’ debt and distress in cotton-growing belts (esp. Vidarbha).

Government Schemes & Support:

Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) – for procurement and price support.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) – announced annually.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Soil Health Card Scheme, PM-KISAN, PMFBY (crop insurance).

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