India, once the world’s leading producer and exporter of cotton, is now witnessing a sharp decline in cotton production. This downturn is largely attributed to stalled technological progress and policy inertia.

What Are the Reasons Behind the Decline in India’s Cotton Production?

Early Growth and Innovation

• In the 1970s, Indian scientists like C.T. Patel and B.H. Katarki developed hybrid cotton varieties that significantly boosted yields.

• The introduction of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton in 2002–03 marked another milestone. This genetically modified cotton incorporated genes from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium to protect crops from pests such as the American bollworm.

  • By 2013–14, Bt cotton was grown on over 95% of India’s cotton farms, nearly doubling yields to 566 kg per hectare. This success positioned India as the world’s top cotton producer by 2015–16 and a major global exporter.

Stagnation After Initial Success

• Despite the early success of Bt and Bollgard-II technologies, India has not approved any new genetically modified (GM) cotton variants since 2006.

• Promising indigenous innovations—such as cotton varieties resistant to whitefly and pink bollworm—remain stalled in regulatory processes.

• The moratorium imposed in 2010 on Bt brinjal, despite approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), set a precedent that curtailed further field trials of GM crops, blocking new technologies that could have enhanced cotton productivity.

Pest Infestation and Resistance

• One of the primary reasons for the decline in cotton output is the growing infestation of the pink bollworm (PBW).

• Initially, Bt cotton provided effective pest resistance, but over time, PBW developed immunity to Bt proteins.

  • This pest now attacks crops as early as 40–45 days after sowing, damaging both flowers and bolls.

  • The continuous cultivation of Bt cotton has accelerated resistance, leading to significant reductions in both the quality and quantity of cotton lint.

Falling Yields and Output

• India’s cotton production, which peaked at 39.8 million bales in 2013–14, is projected to fall to 29.5 million bales by 2024–25.

• Yield per hectare has dropped below 450 kg—far behind global leaders like China, which produces 1,993 kg/ha.

What Are the Key Concerns Arising from This Decline?

Rising Import Dependence

• India’s cotton imports rose sharply from USD 518.4 million in 2023–24 to USD 1.04 billion in 2024–25.

• During the same period, exports declined from USD 729.4 million to USD 660.5 million.

  • This shift has reversed India’s trade position, with imports now exceeding exports, eroding its previous competitive advantage in global cotton markets.

Policy Inconsistencies and Regulatory Delays

• Despite significant innovations from institutions like the National Botanical Research Institute, indigenous GM cotton technologies have faced prolonged delays or neglect.

• While field trials for GM crops remain blocked, India permitted the import of GM soyameal in 2021—highlighting a contradictory stance on biotechnology.

  • Regulatory decisions have increasingly been influenced by public sentiment and legal challenges, rather than scientific risk assessment, stalling innovation in the sector.

Losing Ground in Global Markets

• Countries like the United States and Brazil, which have embraced biotech solutions, are now dominating the cotton export space previously held by India.

• Domestic textile industries are being forced to import cotton, increasing their input costs and reducing international competitiveness.

Decline in Cottonseed Oil Production

• Cottonseed is a key source of edible oil, ranking third in India after mustard and soybean.

• As cotton output falls, so does oil production—leading to greater reliance on edible oil imports.

Note:
The Cotton Development Programme, part of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), has been implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare since 2014–15 to enhance cotton production and productivity in key growing regions.

What Steps Can Be Taken to Revive India’s Cotton Sector?

Accelerate Technological Adoption

• Fast-track the regulatory approval of pest-resistant, high-yielding GM cotton hybrids, including whitefly- and pink bollworm-resistant varieties.

Promote High-Density Planting System (HDPS)

• Expand HDPS adoption across cotton-growing states to increase plant population per unit area and boost overall yield.

Strengthen Farmer Support and Extension Services

• Scale up platforms like Cott-Ally to deliver real-time information on Minimum Support Prices (MSP), weather forecasts, pest alerts, and procurement logistics.

• Empower Krishi Vigyan Kendras and the Cotton Corporation of India to actively disseminate best agricultural practices.

Reform Post-Harvest and Market Infrastructure

• Expand the branding of “Kasturi Cotton” with QR-code-enabled traceability to assure global buyers of quality and authenticity.

• Operationalize the five-year Mission for Cotton Productivity, announced in Budget 2025–26, to improve yields, promote sustainability, and encourage the cultivation of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton—known for its exceptional softness and strength.

• Facilitate investment in spinning, weaving, and garment manufacturing linked to cotton-producing clusters for integrated sectoral growth.