Cotton cultivation in North India has been a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural landscape for centuries, deeply intertwined with its socio-economic fabric. Spanning the fertile plains of states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, this vital crop not only contributes significantly to the agrarian economy but also plays a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of millions of farmers. Blessed with a favorable climate and rich alluvial soil, North India provides an ideal environment for cotton cultivation, enabling the production of high-quality fibers that are in demand both domestically and internationally. From the traditional methods practiced by generations to the adoption of modern agricultural techniques, the journey of cotton farming in this region reflects a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, underpinning its importance in the agricultural narrative of India.
Tags:GS-3, Employment- Growth & Development- Inclusive Growth- Cropping Patterns- Agricultural Resources
For Prelims: Pink Bollworm (PBW), Cotton, Bt Cotton, Pests of Cotton, kharif, Kasturi cotton
For Mains: Significance of Cotton for India, Reason Associated with Subsequent Decline in Cotton Production in India, India’s cotton sector’s competitiveness.
Context:
- As the 2024-25 kharif cotton planting season approaches in North India, stakeholders anticipate a decline in cotton acreage due to various factors.
- These include severe pink bollworm (PBW) infestation, low cotton prices, and escalating labour expenses. In response, farmers may pivot towards alternative crops like paddy, maize, and guar.
Pink Bollworm (PBW) Infestation:
About:
- The pink bollworm (PBW), a component of the American bollworm complex, is a major menace to cotton crops. Also known as Saunders, PBW inflicts harm on developing cotton fruits like flower buds (squares) and bolls containing seeds.
- It lays eggs on buds, flowers, and bolls, and the hatched larvae tunnel into the bolls, feeding on seeds, leading to lint damage and quality decline.
- Bt Cotton’s production aimed to mitigate risks by genetically modifying it to resist pests like PBW. However, PBW has developed resistance to Bt Cotton over time, worsening the situation.
Contributing Factors to Resistance Development:
- In central and southern cotton-growing zones, continuous cotton planting without crop rotation favoured PBW persistence.
- Farmers’ illegal cultivation of unapproved Bt/HT seeds contributed to PBW resistance.
- Extended cultivation of long-duration hybrids provided PBW with constant hosts.
- Prolonging cotton crops beyond recommended periods facilitated PBW survival and reproduction.
- Resistance development was exacerbated by a lack of adherence to refugia planting, which constantly exposed PBW to Bt protein.
- Refugia plants, biodiversity plants growing around cultivated ones, offer protection and food for natural enemy insects.
Impact on Crop Yield and Economy:
- PBW infestation leads to significant yield losses and compromises cotton fibre quality, affecting farmers’ income and sustainability.
- In Haryana, around 25% of cotton farms reported a 50% loss due to PBW damage, while Punjab witnessed a 65% damage rate. Rajasthan suffered the most with a staggering 90% loss, highlighting the severe economic consequences for farmers and the regional economy.
Pests of Cotton:
| Insect | Symptoms |
| Spotted bollworm (Earias vitella) | Central shoots dry, wither and drops down. Later, it bores into flower buds, bolls and causes shredding. |
| American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) | Flaring up of bracts (surround the flower bud in a pyramid-like shape). Bore holes filled with frass on squares. |
| Tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) | Irregular bore holes. Skeletonization of leaves. Heavy defoliation. |
| White fly (Bemicia tabaci) | Suck sap from the leaves Low quality lint. Boll shedding occurs in severe cases. |
| Cotton Aphid (Aphis gossypii) | Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from leaves. Shiny appearance due to honeydew secretion. |
| Cotton mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) | Bushy shoots. At an early stage of cotton planting, crop senescence (ageing) may be seen. Sooty mould formation. |
The Trends in Cotton Cultivation in North India:
- Impact on North Indian States: Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana, key cotton-growing states in North India, observe varying trends in cotton acreages. Punjab witnessed a significant 32% decline in cotton area in the 2023-24 kharif season, while Rajasthan saw a slight decrease and Haryana recorded a marginal increase.
- Shift Towards Alternative Crops: Farmers in North India are considering alternative crops like paddy, maize, guar, mung beans, and groundnuts due to quality issues and low returns. In Punjab, where water availability favours it, paddy cultivation may increase. Rajasthan may lean towards guar cultivation, while maize and mung beans could emerge as alternatives in other regions.
- Labour Costs and Returns: Rising labour expenses exacerbate challenges for cotton farmers. Pest-related quality issues impact returns, raising concerns about compensating for crop losses.
- Expectations for the Coming Season (2024): Despite challenges, some optimism exists for the upcoming cotton season due to favourable monsoon forecasts and comparatively better prices. However, concerns linger, including limited technological advancements and the severity of pink bollworm damage in certain areas.
About Cotton:
- Cotton Growing Conditions:
- Cotton, a Kharif crop, matures in 6 to 8 months, thriving in temperatures of 21-30°C and rainfall of 50-100 cm.
- It prefers warm, humid climates and well-drained black cotton soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5.
- Major growing states include Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Significance:
- Cotton serves as a primary textile industry source, constituting two-thirds of India’s textile fibre consumption.
- Cottonseed oil and cake are used for cooking and livestock feed, with cottonseed oil ranking as India’s third-largest domestically-produced vegetable oil.
- India’s cotton production contributes significantly to global output, earning it the moniker “White-Gold.”
- Initiatives:
- Initiatives like Kasturi cotton, Minimum Support Price (MSP), Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), and National Food Security Mission-Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC) support cotton cultivation and market stability.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of (2021)
(a) brown forest soil
(b) fissure volcanic rock
(c) granite and schist
(d) shale and limestone
Ans: (b)
Q2. A state in India has the following characteristics: (2011)
- Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.
- Its central part produces cotton.
- Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Karnataka
(d) Tamil Nadu
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q:1 Analyse the factors for the highly decentralised cotton textile industry in India.(2013)
Source: (BL)
FAQs
Q: What are the major challenges faced in cotton cultivation in North India?
One major challenge in cotton cultivation in North India is the prevalence of pests and diseases, such as bollworms and leaf curl virus, which can significantly reduce yields if not managed effectively. Additionally, erratic weather patterns, including untimely rains or droughts, pose a significant risk to cotton crops in the region.
Q: What are the recommended practices for successful cotton cultivation in North India?
Successful cotton cultivation in North India requires adopting integrated pest management strategies to control pests and diseases effectively. Farmers should also practice proper irrigation management, timely planting, and use high-quality seeds to ensure optimal crop growth and yield. Moreover, maintaining soil health through practices like crop rotation and mulching is crucial for sustained cotton production.
Q: How does cotton cultivation contribute to the economy of North India?
Cotton cultivation plays a vital role in the economy of North India, contributing significantly to agricultural output and providing employment opportunities for millions of people in the region. The cotton industry also supports various ancillary sectors, such as textiles, apparel manufacturing, and trade, further boosting economic growth and development.
Q: What are the key factors influencing cotton yield in North India?
Several factors influence cotton yield in North India, including the choice of cotton variety, soil fertility, pest and disease management practices, weather conditions, and agronomic practices like planting density and irrigation scheduling. Additionally, access to modern agricultural technologies and extension services can significantly impact yield levels.
Q: How does sustainable cotton cultivation benefit farmers and the environment in North India?
Sustainable cotton cultivation practices, such as organic farming, use of eco-friendly pest control methods, and conservation tillage, offer numerous benefits for both farmers and the environment in North India. These practices promote soil health, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, conserve water resources, and mitigate environmental degradation, leading to improved long-term productivity and resilience of cotton farming systems.
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