Cotton Production

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Table of contents

Context (TH): India’s cotton cultivation is expected to be 10-12% lower in this season.
India leads globally in cotton production, followed by China and the U.S.
The Central Zone (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh) dominates India’s cotton output.

Growing Conditions

Climate: It thrives in hot, sunny climates with long frost-free periods (210 days) and requires high temperatures, light rainfall or irrigation, and bright sunshine.
Soil Types: It grows well in the Deccan plateau’s black cotton soil, deep alluvial soils in northern India, black clayey soils in central regions, and mixed black and red soils in the southern zone.
Sensitivity: While cotton can tolerate some salinity, it is highly vulnerable to waterlogging.
Growth Cycle: As a Kharif crop, cotton requires 6 to 8 months to mature.

Impact of Pink Bollworm Pest: The Pink Bollworm pest has severely reduced cotton yields, especially in Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan (35% reduction).
Unpredictable Cotton Yields: Cotton yields are unpredictable due to limited irrigation, declining soil fertility, and erratic weather, including unexpected droughts and excessive rainfall.
Traditional Farming Methods: Most cotton is cultivated by small-scale farmers using traditional methods with limited access to modern technologies, affecting productivity.
Market Access Issues: Many farmers struggle to access markets, often selling their cotton at lower prices to intermediaries.
Rain-Fed Cultivation: 67% of India’s cotton is rain-fed, with only 33% grown in irrigated areas.
Low Yield: India’s average yield is 480 kg/hectare, far below the global average of 800 kg/hectare.

Cotton Development Programme: Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), boosts cotton production in 15 key states, led by the Department of Agriculture since 2014-15.
Cotton Corporation of India (CCI): Established in 1970, stabilizes prices through support measures when market rates fall below set levels.
MSP Formula: Ensures MSP at 1.5 times the production cost to protect farmers.
Textile Advisory Group (TAG): Coordinates among stakeholders to address productivity, pricing, and branding in the cotton value chain.
Cott-Ally Mobile App: Provides farmers with MSP rates and procurement center information in a user-friendly platform.
Committee on Cotton Promotion and Consumption (COCPC): Ensures a steady cotton supply to the textile industry, supporting growth.

Combine natural controls, trap crops, and beneficial insects to manage pests effectively.
Initiatives like Kasturi Cotton Bharat can create a unique identity for Indian cotton in the global market.
Utilize schemes like Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) and Mega Textile Parks (MITRA) to modernize ginning, spinning, and weaving facilities, boosting efficiency and competitiveness.
The revised MSP formula, set at 1.5 times the production cost, ensures fair returns for farmers; further refinements based on NITI Aayog recommendations can enhance income security.
A robust procurement system, price stabilization funds, and standardized cotton grading mechanisms can help far mers secure better prices and reduce middlemen exploitation.