Cotton, also referred to as “White Gold,” is of immense importance to millions of farmers in India, providing them employment and a major source of income. This versatile crop, primarily used for cooking oil, textiles, and livestock feed, is responsible for 25% of the global cotton production. The crop is particularly important in India, where approximately two-thirds of the country’s cotton is grown in rain-fed areas and the remaining third in irrigated locales.
The successful cultivation of cotton requires specific environmental conditions, specifically a sunny, hot climate featuring a lengthy frost-free period. The crop thrives best in warm, humid climates and can be cultivated across diverse soil types, provided they are well-drained. India has the unique distinction of growing all four species of cultivated cotton – Gossypium arboreum, Herbaceum, G.barbadense, and G. hirsutum.
Regional Diversification in Cotton Cultivation
India’s cotton cultivation is spread over three different agro-ecological zones. The Northern Zone includes Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The Central Zone consists of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Finally, the Southern Zone includes Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Cotton has attained its significance due to its multipurpose usability. Its primary use is as a fiber, constituting about 36% of raw unginned cotton, essential for the textile industry. It also serves as a staple food, with cottonseed containing 13% oil used for cooking and frying. Lastly, the leftover cottonseed cake is a crucial protein-rich feed ingredient for livestock and poultry.
The Rise and Fall of Cotton Production in India
From the period of 2000-01 to 2013-14, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) technology spurred a substantial surge in cotton production in India. The adoption of genetically-modified (GM) cotton hybrids with Bt genes, specifically engineered to combat the American bollworm insect pest, led to this growth. However, this boom had a short lifespan, and post-2013-14, cotton production has been on a declining trend.
The prime factor behind this decline is the emergence of the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella). Pink bollworm larvae attacking cotton bolls have resulted in reduced cotton production and lower quality yield.
Current Practices for Pest Management
Traditional insecticides have shown limited success in controlling the pink bollworm larvae. A new approach known as “mating disruption” is now being utilized to manage this pest. It involves the use of Gossyplure, a pheromone signaling chemical secreted by female PBW moths to attract male adults, synthesized artificially and filled into pipes or lures. This process disturbs the moths’ reproductive cycle, essentially controlling population growth.
Challenges Associated with Cotton Sector in India
Cotton production in India faces several challenges. Yield fluctuations due to limited irrigation systems, declining soil fertility, erratic weather pattern contribute to its unpredictability. Most cotton farming in India is conducted by small-scale farmers who have restricted access to modern farming technologies. Limited market access and selling at reduced rates to intermediaries are other significant concerns.
Potential Solutions for Improving Cotton Production
A multi-pronged strategy is necessary to address the current issues. Advocacy for integrated pest management strategies combining natural controls, trap crops, and beneficial insects could reduce pesticide dependency. Community-based seed banks could help preserve genetic diversity and promote high-yielding strains. There should also be efforts towards establishing digital platforms connecting cotton farmers directly with buyers and textile manufacturers, ensuring fair pricing. Local processing units for ginning, cleaning, and processing cotton fiber would also add value to the cotton supply chain.
These solutions aim at addressing the yield fluctuations, modern technological access, and market limitations currently impacting cotton production in India. The upshot of these potential solutions could mean a more robust, efficient, and productive cotton sector in India.