Cotton: Crying out for Change

Context: 

The cotton productivity estimate in the North zone is at its lowest in recent times, down by over 30%. 

• This is due to the rising cost of cultivation, climate-induced change in pest dynamics, and rampant sale of unauthorised seeds and unchecked pesticide sprays.

Threat to Farmers’ Livelihood and Cotton-Based Textile Industry:

• The declining cotton productivity is threatening the income and livelihood of farmers in vast stretches of the North zone. 
• Similar situations have arisen for other 60 lakh smallholder cotton growers in Central and Southern cotton growing zones due to climate change-induced weather aberrations, widespread infestation of boll devouring pink bollworm, new tobacco streak virus disease, and boll rot. 
• The impact of declining cotton productivity in India is visible in the cotton-based textile industry. This impact is compounded by three factors:
  • A surge in domestic market prices
  • Hoarding
  • Trade-related developments emanating from the US ban on the import of fashion and textile products from China’s Xinjiang region.

What are the Issues with the Cotton Sector in India?

• Pest Infestation: 
  • Pest infestation is a common problem in cotton crops in India, caused by factors such as monoculture, poor soil quality, lack of pest management, and weather conditions. Crop rotation is also necessary to prevent pest buildup.

• Low Productivity:
  • India’s cotton productivity per hectare is lower than that of other major cotton-producing countries. This is mainly due to the use of outdated farming practices, inadequate irrigation facilities, and poor seed quality.

• High Input Costs:
  • The cost of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides is high in India, making it difficult for small-scale cotton farmers to afford them.

• Dependence on Monsoon:
  • India’s cotton crop is largely dependent on the monsoon rains, which can be unpredictable and erratic, leading to crop failure.

• Farmer Debt:
  • Many cotton farmers in India are burdened with debt, which can lead to a cycle of poverty and indebtedness.

• Lack of Market Access:
  • Many cotton farmers in India have limited access to markets and are forced to sell their produce at low prices to middlemen.

Way Forward:

• Changing Cropping System:
  • The cropping system of cotton must gradually undergo a systematic change to High Density Planting System (HDPS).
    • HDPS is a new cropping system of accommodating more plants per unit area supported by technological inputs for weed management, defoliation and mechanical picking.

• Implementing Evidence-based Policies:
  • The government-led policy paradigm on cotton must give way to progressive evidence-based policies on pricing of seeds and safeguarding intellectual property, not only for biotech traits under Indian Patent Act but also ensuring the rights of breeders and farmers under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA).

• Lastly, the Technology Mission on Cotton 2.0 is expected to launch in the 2023-24 budget to enhance the productivity of specialty extra-long staple cotton (ELS) by promoting a cluster-based and value chain approach through public-private partnerships (PPP).

News source: The Hindu Businessline