India’s cotton industry has declined due to policy paralysis, blocking GM crop approvals and technological advancements. This has led to reduced yields, higher imports, and increased reliance on global competitors. To recover, India must prioritize science, simplify regulations, invest in research, and empower farmers with modern technologies.
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India fell behind in the cotton race.
Cotton is one of the most important commercial crops in India because it serves as a source of all three Fs: Food, Feed, and Fibre.
Farmers grow cotton not only for its fibre, which is used extensively in the textile industry, but also for its seeds, which produce oil and feed cake for livestock.
Cotton provides direct livelihood to 6 million farmers and indirectly supports 40-50 million people in allied sectors like trade and processing.
Cotton accounts for two-thirds of India’s total textile fibre consumption and contributes significantly to the agricultural and industrial economy.
In 2024-25, cotton imports doubled in value, rising from 518.4 million to 1,040.4 million between April-January compared to the same period last year. At the same time, exports dropped from 729.4 million to 660.5 million.
In the early 2010s, India was the world’s top producer and a leading exporter of cotton. Back then, production increased to 39.8 million bales (1 bale = 170 kg) in 2013-14, up from just 13.6 million bales in 2002-03. However, by 2024-25, output fell to 29.5 million bales, the lowest since 2008-09 -> Imports now exceed exports, making India a net importer of cotton once again.
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India became the world’s no 1 producer in 2015-16 and a second biggest exporter to the US by 2011-12, however, today it has been “flooded” by American, Australian, Egyptian and Brazilian cotton. |
Indian breeders developed hybrids like “H-4” in 1970, the world’s first commercial cotton hybrid, and “Varalaxmi” in 1972, the first interspecific hybrid. These innovations helped double national lint yields from 127 kg per hectare in 1970-71 to 302 kg per hectare by 2002-03.
The Genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton was introduced in 2002-03. By including a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria, Bt cotton protected crops from pests like the American bollworm.
A second-generation Bollgard-II technology was introduced in 2006, adding resistance to Spodoptera leafworms.
By 2013-14, Bt cotton covered 95% of India’s 12 million hectares under cultivation, pushing lint yields to 566 kg per hectare.
The decline began during the UPA government’s second term when GM Bt brinjal faced a suspension despite being approved by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee. Public consultations dominated over scientific validation, giving precedence to anti-GMO activists.
Under the NDA government, field trials for GM crops were discontinued, and GM crops were classified as “hazardous substances” under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This fear-driven approach blocked not only Monsanto-Bayer’s technologies but also indigenous innovations, such as Delhi University’s hybrid mustard.
Even after years of field trials and biosafety data submission, no new GM technologies have been approved since Bollgard-II in 2006.
Farmers have been denied access to advanced technologies that could protect their crops and boost yields. The pink bollworm, a major pest, became a serious threat starting in 2014 in central-west and southern regions, spreading to the north zone by 2018. Without new pest-resistant technologies, infestations spiraled out of control, causing significant damage.
As a result, India’s cotton production plummeted, forcing farmers to depend on expensive imports. Global competitors like the US and Brazil benefited, exporting their cotton to India.
Compromise the self-sufficiency in agriculture, turning India into a net importer of essential commodities like cotton, soybean meal, and potentially corn.
It suppresses innovation by discouraging research and development in biotechnology.
It harms farmers, who face lower yields, higher input costs, and reduced competitiveness in global markets.
It opens the door for foreign exporters to dominate India’s agricultural sector, further eroding domestic capabilities.
Policymakers must prioritize science over activism -> Simplifying regulatory processes to approve safe and effective GM technologies.
Government should invest in indigenous research Projects -> Empower institutions to develop locally adapted solutions.
Farmers need direct access to modern technologies without bureaucratic hurdles.
By adopting science and technology, India can reclaim its position as a global leader in cotton and agriculture.
Public awareness campaigns can help dispel myths about GM crops, emphasizing their safety and benefits.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Despite being one of the largest producers of cotton, why does India struggle to achieve self-sufficiency in textile exports? 150 words |
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