The cotton sector in India has witnessed a series of initiatives aimed at boosting its growth and sustainability. These measures, implemented by various government bodies, mainly focus on empowering farmers, enhancing productivity, and promoting Indian Cotton. This article explores these initiatives in detail, along with facts about the cotton crop and its relevance to the Indian economy.
Cotton Development Programme under National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
The NFSM initiated the Cotton Development Programme, which operates in 15 major cotton-growing states including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal. The programme focuses on augmenting cotton production and productivity through demonstrations, trials, distribution of plant protection chemicals, and training for farmers.
Minimum Support Price for Cotton
The government introduced a formula to calculate the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton, ensuring the economic interest of cotton growers and providing the textile industry with ready availability of cotton. The formula, which calculates MSP as 1.5 times the cost of production, has led to increased MSP rates, thus supporting farmers’ income.
The Role of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)
CCI is a central nodal agency responsible for MSP operations when the prices of Fair Average Quality grade seed cotton fall below MSP rates. This arrangement protects farmers from distress sales and ensures fair remuneration for their produce.
Branding and Traceability of Indian Cotton
To enhance the global appeal of Indian cotton, the government launched Kasturi Cotton. The initiative aims to ensure quality and traceability while branding Indian cotton in the international market.
Large-Scale Demonstrations Project
Sanctioned by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, this project is part of the NFSM. It targets technology to agro-ecological zones and showcases best practices to enhance cotton productivity. It emphasizes innovative technologies like High Density Planting System (HDPS) and value chain approach.
Textile Advisory Group (TAG)
Constituted by the Ministry of Textiles, TAG works towards coordinating among stakeholders in the cotton value chain. It addresses issues related to productivity, prices, branding, and more.
The Cott-Ally Mobile App
This user-friendly mobile app was developed to equip farmers with necessary knowledge. It provides information on MSP rates, nearest procurement centers, payment tracking, and best farm practices.
Committee on Cotton Promotion and Consumption (COCPC)
The committee ensures cotton availability to the textile industry. It monitors the cotton market scenario and advises the government on production and consumption matters.
Key Facts on Cotton Production
Cotton, a Kharif crop, requires 6 to 8 months to mature. Ideal for arid climates, it occupies 2.1% of the world’s arable land and meets 27% of the world’s textiles needs. It thrives best in temperatures between 21-30°C and rainfall around 50-100cm. The well-drained black cotton soil (Regur Soil) found in Deccan Plateau is most suitable for its cultivation. Cotton is used to produce fibre, oil and animal feed.
India is the top cotton producing country, followed by China and the USA. In India, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are the leading cotton producers. There are four cultivated species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum, and G.barbadense. Hybrid cotton is created by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characters, while BT Cotton is a genetically modified pest-resistant variety.
Role of Black Soil in Cotton Cultivation
The black cotton soil of India, also known as regur soil, plays a crucial part in cotton cultivation. Rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina, the soil adequately supports the growth of this crop. However, it lacks phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter. Formed due to the weathering of fissure volcanic rock, this soil type predominantly covers parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
Gujarat: The Leading Cotton Producing State
Gujarat, characterized by an arid and semi-arid climate, dominates cotton production in India. With deep black to medium black soils, the state’s topography and climatic conditions favor cotton cultivation. Cash crops like cotton thrive here, surpassing food crops in terms of cultivation and yield.
