Punjab’s cotton industry faces severe losses due to white flies and pink bollworms; current Bt cotton varieties (Bollgard-1, Bollgard-2) are ineffective. Regulatory delays have stalled approval of advanced GM varieties like Bollgard-3 and BG-2RRF, critical for boosting yields and profitability, as evidenced by Brazil’s success with Bollgard-5. Urgent action is needed.
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The cotton industry in Punjab faces a severe crisis due to pests like white flies and pink bollworms, regulatory delays in approving advanced GM varieties, and declining yields.
Cotton belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae).
Cotton fibers are derived from the seed coat (outer layer) of the cotton plant's seeds, specifically the genus Gossypium.
The cotton fiber grows within a protective case called a boll, which is the fruit of the cotton plant.
Environmental Requirements:
India is the second-largest cotton producer globally, after China, accounting for roughly 21% of global cotton production.
Major growing regions are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Whiteflies and pink bollworms have devastated cotton crops in North India since 2015–16. These pests have developed resistance to existing Bt cotton varieties (e.g., Bollgard-1 and Bollgard-2), leading to massive yield losses.
Punjab’s cotton acreage has plummeted from 8 lakh hectares three decades ago to just 1 lakh hectares in 2024, as farmers shift to more profitable crops.
Punjab’s ginning units have dropped from 422 in 2004 to 22 today, directly impacting rural livelihoods and agro-industry revenue.
Developed by Monsanto over a decade ago, Bollgard-3 is a genetically modified (GM) cotton variety containing three Bt proteins (Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab, Vip3A). These proteins specifically target lepidopteran pests like the pink bollworm, disrupting their gut function and reducing crop damage.
Current Bt cotton varieties (Bollgard-1 and Bollgard-2) lack efficacy against whiteflies and pink bollworms. Bollgard-3 offers prolonged resistance to these pests, promising higher yields and reduced pesticide costs.
Despite global use (e.g., in Brazil, Australia), Bollgard-3 remains unapproved in India due to prolonged regulatory scrutiny. India’s cautious approach to GM crops—stemming from environmental and health concerns—has stalled its introduction.
Bollgard-2 Roundup Ready Flex (BG-2RRF), which adds herbicide tolerance to existing Bt traits, underwent trials as early as 2012–13. However, its commercial approval is still pending.
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Brazil’s adoption of multi-pest-resistant Bollgard-5 has revolutionized cotton farming, allowing high yields and profitability. Punjab’s cotton farmers earn only a 15% profit margin in good years, compared to 85% in Brazil, where Bollgard-5 (protecting against pests, weeds, and insects) achieves 2,400 kg/ha yields (vs. India’s 450 kg/ha). |
Reviving Punjab’s cotton industry requires:
Experts recommend high-density planting, drip fertigation, and mulching to optimize resources and yields.
Without access to Bollgard-3 or BG-2RRF, farmers struggle to manage pests, maintaining low yields and high costs.
Global examples like Brazil highlights that timely adoption of biotech innovations is critical to restoring productivity and profitability.
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