Cotton, often referred to as the “white gold,” is a crucial commercial crop in India. It contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of farmers and supporting various industries. However, recent data reveals a concerning trend of declining cotton production and yields in the country.
Cotton Crop in India
Cotton is a versatile crop that serves as a source of food, feed, and fiber. In India, it holds a pivotal position in both the agricultural and industrial sectors. Approximately 25% of the global cotton production comes from India, directly employing six million farmers and indirectly supporting 40-50 million people engaged in related activities such as trade and processing.
Production and Consumption of Cotton in India
The cotton crop comprises various components, with lint, the white fluffy fiber, accounting for only about 36% of the raw un-ginned cotton known as kapas. The rest includes seed (62%) and waste (2%), which are separated during the ginning process. Cottonseed, in particular, contains 13% oil used for cooking and frying, while the remaining 85% of seed residue serves as a protein-rich feed ingredient for livestock and poultry. Cotton holds a significant share in India’s textile fiber consumption, and cottonseed ranks as the country’s third-largest domestically-produced vegetable oil and second-largest feed cake/meal.
The Revolution of Bt Cotton
The introduction of genetically-modified (GM) cotton hybrids, specifically Bt cotton, marked a significant turning point in India’s cotton production. Bt cotton is genetically transformed with the Bt gene to combat the bollworm, a notorious cotton pest. Between 2000-01 and 2013-14, India witnessed a nearly threefold increase in cotton production, with average per-hectare lint yields doubling thanks to the widespread adoption of Bt cotton. However, this boom did not endure, as recent data indicates a decline in both production and yields.
Reason behind Crop Falling Yield
The primary reason for the declining cotton yield can be attributed to the pink bollworm (PBW). Bt cotton was originally designed to protect against both the Helicoverpa and PBW caterpillars. However, an unusual bollworm strain emerged in 2014, showing resistance to Bt proteins. PBW’s monophagous nature, feeding primarily on cotton, allowed it to develop resistance over time, as farmers increasingly shifted to Bt cotton. This resistant PBW population gradually replaced susceptible ones.
Efforts at Controlling the Pests
Conventional methods of spraying insecticides have shown limited efficacy against PBW larvae, which damage cotton bolls, squares, and flowers, affecting lint quality and yields. An alternative approach involves mating disruption using Gossyplure, a synthetic pheromone signaling chemical that attracts male PBW moths. This method, exemplified by Project Bandhan, has been approved to promote pheromone-based integrated pest management (IPM) systems in cotton cultivation.
Methodology of Mating Disruption Products and Their Outcome
Two mating disruption products, PBKnot and SPLAT, have been approved for controlling PBW. PBKnot employs a dispenser with nano-sized pores, releasing Gossyplure over 90 days, covering a 25 square-meter area. Field experiments conducted by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre have shown a 90% reduction in PBW mating and a 25% increase in kapas production.
Way Forward: Incorporation of New Technologies
While Bt cotton technology initially boosted production, emerging dominant pests like PBW have eroded these gains and discouraged cotton cultivation in certain regions. The future of cotton production hinges on embracing new technologies, including genetically modified crops, next-generation insecticides, and mating disruption techniques. These innovations are crucial to sustain the cultivation of cotton, which plays a pivotal role in India’s economy.
UPSC Mains Questions
- What are the primary contributions of cotton to India’s economy, and why is its decline a significant concern?
- Explain the role of Bt cotton in the initial surge of cotton production in India. What factors have led to its recent decline?
- Analyze the reasons behind the emergence of the pink bollworm as a major threat to cotton crops in India and its impact on yields.
- Discuss the potential of pheromone-based integrated pest management (IPM) in controlling the pink bollworm and its implications for cotton production.