Context: Union Finance Minister , while presenting the Union Budget, announced a five year mission to "facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties".

What is Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton?

• ELS cotton refers to cotton varieties with fibre lengths of 30 mm and above, primarily from the species Gossypium barbadense, also known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.

• In contrast, India predominantly grows Gossypium hirsutum, a medium staple variety with fibre lengths of 25-28.6 mm.

• ELS cotton is known for its superior quality and is primarily cultivated in China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru, with limited production in India's Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Why is ELS Cotton Not Grown in India?

• Despite its high quality, Indian farmers have been reluctant to adopt ELS cotton due to several challenges:

• Lower Yields: While medium staple cotton yields 10-12 quintals per acre, ELS cotton produces only 7-8 quintals.

• Market Challenges: Farmers struggle to sell ELS cotton at premium prices due to weak market linkages.

• Import Dependence: India annually imports 20-25 lakh bales of ELS cotton, forming over 90% of its total imports.

How Can the Cotton Mission Help?

• The government's five-year Cotton Mission aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in cotton farming. 

Key interventions include

• Scientific and Technological Support: Research and development in cotton breeding, pest resistance, and agronomic practices.

• Genetic Modification (GM) Technology: Farmers demand the legalization of herbicide-tolerant Bt (HtBt) cotton to improve weed management.

• Yield Enhancement: India's cotton yields (10 quintals/acre) lag behind Brazil (20 quintals) and China (15 quintals). Better seeds, agronomic advice, and technology adoption can help bridge this gap and promote ELS cultivation.