The Cabinet approved a dedicated “Mission for Cotton Productivity” with an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore to revitalize the cotton textile value chain over the next five years.
Objectives and Strategy
- Targeting Productivity: Addressing the recent stagnation in Indian cotton yields, which remain below the global average.
- Quality Concerns: Implementing measures to reduce contamination and improve the “staple length” of Indian cotton to meet global textile standards.
- Technological Intervention:
- Promotion of High-Density Planting System (HDPS).
- Support for mechanical harvesting to address labor shortages.
- Enhancing the availability of quality seeds and integrated pest management (IPM).
- Bottleneck Removal: Solving logistical and processing issues that hinder the “Farm to Fiber” transition.
Status of Cotton in India
- India is the largest producer of cotton in the world and has the largest area under cotton cultivation.
- Key Issues: High dependence on monsoon, susceptibility to pests like Pink Bollworm, and lack of mechanized harvesting.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q. With reference to the “Mission for Cotton Productivity,” consider the following statements:
- It is a central sector scheme with a primary focus on increasing the yield per hectare of cotton in India.
- The mission aims to promote the High-Density Planting System (HDPS) to enhance production.
- India currently has the highest cotton productivity (yield per hectare) in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
Ans 2: A (1 and 2 only)
- Statement 1 is correct: The mission focuses on yields and quality.
- Statement 2 is correct: HDPS is a core component of modernizing cotton farming.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: While India has the largest area under cultivation and is the top producer, its productivity (yield per hectare) is lower than countries like Brazil, the USA, and China.
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION
“The recurring challenge for Indian agriculture lies not just in production, but in ensuring remunerative prices and enhancing productivity through technological interventions.” In the light of the recent Cabinet decisions on Sugarcane and Cotton, evaluate the effectiveness of price-support vs. productivity-led growth in doubling farmers’ income. (250 words)