India's cotton yields are low compared to countries like Brazil and China due to outdated farming practices and lack of advanced technology. The five-year mission announced by the Finance Minister focuses on improving ELS cotton productivity through better technology, genetically modified seeds, and stronger market linkages to ensure premium prices.
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Picture Courtesy: Indian Express
The Union Finance Minister announced a five-year mission to promote extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties.
It is a cotton variety with fibre lengths of 30 mm and above. These fibres are longer, stronger, and finer compared to medium or short staple cotton, making them ideal for producing high-quality fabrics.
ELS cotton mainly comes from the species Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.
It is grown in countries like China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru, but in India, it is cultivated only in limited regions such as Atpadi taluka in Maharashtra and around Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.
ELS cotton yields are significantly lower than medium staple cotton. While medium staple cotton yields 10-12 quintals per acre, ELS cotton yields only 7-8 quintals per acre.
Farmers growing ELS cotton often struggle to secure premium prices for their produce due to inadequate market linkages. The infrastructure and demand for premium cotton are not well-established in India.
ELS cotton requires specific growing conditions and more intensive care, which increases production costs. Without guaranteed returns, farmers are hesitant to invest in this variety.
Over 96% of India’s cotton production is medium staple cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), which is easier to grow and has higher yields. This has led to a lack of focus on ELS cotton cultivation.
India’s per-acre cotton yields are significantly lower than those of other major cotton-producing countries. For example, Brazil achieves an average yield of 20 quintals per acre, and China achieves 15 quintals per acre.
India’s average yield is around 10-12 quintals per acre for medium staple cotton and even lower for ELS cotton.
The gap in average yield is largely due to factors like outdated farming practices, limited access to advanced technologies, and insufficient agronomic support.
In the Union Budget 2024-25, the Finance Minister announced a five-year mission to improve cotton productivity and sustainability, with a focus on promoting ELS cotton.
The mission aims to provide farmers with the best science and technology support, including access to genetically modified (GM) seeds and advanced agronomic practices. For example, farmers in Maharashtra have been demanding the legalization of herbicide-tolerant Bt (HtBT) cotton, which could help manage weeds more effectively and improve yields.
The mission also supports strengthening market linkages to ensure farmers receive premium prices for ELS cotton.
Farmers should have access to the latest GM technologies, such as herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant cotton varieties, to boost productivity and reduce input costs.
Farmers need guidance on best practices for crop management, including irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, to maximize yields.
Research institutions should focus on developing high-yielding ELS cotton varieties suited to Indian conditions.
Establishing robust market connections will ensure that farmers growing ELS cotton receive premium prices for their produce, incentivizing its cultivation.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.What is the main reason for the reluctance of Indian farmers to adopt Extra-Long Staple cotton? A) Higher cost of production B) Availability of genetically modified seeds C) Lower per acre yield compared to medium staple cotton D) Lack of demand for premium cotton Answer: C Explanation: Farmers in India are reluctant to grow ELS cotton because its yield per acre (7-8 quintals) is lower than that of medium staple cotton, which yields 10-12 quintals per acre. |
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