Cotton Production in India Decline, Reasons and Solution

Context: India’s cotton production peaked with Bt cotton adoption (2002-2014) but in recent years it declined.

Cotton Production in India Background

Cotton is a major cash crop and a key raw material for the textile sector, supporting millions of farmers and workers. Check here Cotton Production in India from the Pre-2002 Period till today:

Pre-2002 Period

• India was a net importer of cotton with low productivity.
• Cotton production was reliant on traditional hybrids like:
  • H-4 (first hybrid, 1970)
  • Varalaxmi (first inter-specific hybrid, 1972)
  • LSS (Labh Singh Selection) (1933)

2002-2014: Cotton Boom Due to Bt Cotton

• The introduction of genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton hybrids in 2002-03 transformed production.
• Bollgard-II technology (2006) further enhanced yield by providing protection from multiple pests (American bollworm, cotton leafworm).
• Cotton production tripled from 6 million bales (2002-03) to 39.8 million bales (2013-14).
• Lint yield rose from 127 kg/hectare (1970-71) to 566 kg/hectare (2013-14).
• India became the world’s largest producer (2015-16) and second-largest exporter (2011-12).

2014 Onwards: Production Decline

• Cotton production declined to an average of 8 million bales over the last five years.
• In 2024-25, production is projected at 5 million bales — the lowest since 2008-09.
• Lint yield dropped to sub-450 kg/hectare.
• Imports (3 million bales) are now surpassing exports (1.7 million bales).

Current Status of Cotton Production in India and Import-Export

• Cotton imports increased from $518.4 million (2023-24) to $1,040.4 million (2024-25).
• Cotton exports fell from $729.4 million (2023-24) to $660.5 million (2024-25).
• India now relies on cotton imports from the US, Brazil, Australia, and Egypt.

Reasons Behind the Decline in Cotton Production

• Policy Paralysis on GM Crops: After a successful Bt cotton rollout, approval for new GM technologies stalled.
  • Eg., Since Bollgard-II in 2006, no new GM technology for cotton has been approved.
• Emergence of Pink Bollworm Infestation: Pink bollworm infestations emerged in central-western and southern regions in 2014 and spread to northern regions in 2018.
  • The lack of new pest-resistant GM hybrids worsened the damage.
• Regulatory and Judicial Hurdles: Regulatory bodies blocked field trials of GM crops under the Environment Protection Act (1986).
  • Courts interfered in technical matters, delaying new technology approvals.
  • Hybrid mustard (developed by Delhi University) remains unapproved despite successful trials and safety data.
• High Production Costs and Falling Yields: Rising input costs and stagnant yields made cotton farming less profitable.
  • Farmers lack access to updated pest-resistant and climate-adaptive varieties.
• Global Pressure and Trade Barriers: The US and Brazil are pushing for the removal of the 11% import duty on cotton.
  • India’s decision to allow imports of GM soya meal and cake in 2021 may lead to similar demands for GM corn and cotton imports.

What Needs to Be Done

• Revive Approval Process for GM Crops: Fast-track the approval of new GM technologies like Bollgard-III and indigenous pest-resistant varieties.
  • Allow field trials of genetically modified mustard and cotton hybrids.
• Strengthen Pest Control Measures: Develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
  • Encourage breeding of pest-resistant, high-yielding cotton varieties.
• Policy Clarity on GM Crops: Establish a transparent, science-based regulatory framework for GM crop approvals.
  • Limit political and activist interference in scientific evaluation processes.
• Support Farmers with Technology and Inputs: Ensure access to high-quality seeds and affordable inputs.
  • Educate farmers on sustainable farming practices and pest control.
• Protect Domestic Cotton from Import Competition: Maintain strategic import duties to protect domestic production.
  • Negotiate trade terms with major exporters like the US and Brazil.
• Enhance Research and Development: Invest in agricultural research institutions for developing climate-resilient and pest-resistant cotton varieties.
  • Encourage public-private partnerships in cotton seed research and production.

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