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Cotton Crisis in Punjab
Context:
The cotton industry in Punjab is facing a severe crisis due to pest attacks and decreasing yields. Farmers are demanding the introduction of advanced pest-resistant genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties like Bollgard-3, but regulatory delays are hindering progress.
Declining Cotton Acreage and Industry Setback
- Shrinking Cotton Cultivation: The area under cotton cultivation in Punjab has drastically reduced from 8 lakh hectares three decades ago to only 1 lakh hectares in 2024.
- Impact on Ginning Industry: The decline in cotton production has led to the closure of most ginning units, with only 22 operational units remaining out of 422 in 2004.
The Demand for Bollgard-3 in India
- Superior Pest Resistance: Bollgard-3 is a genetically modified cotton variety that contains three Bt proteins—Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab, and Vip3A—which disrupt insect gut function, leading to pest death.
- Effective Against Pink Bollworm: Unlike earlier Bt cotton varieties, Bollgard-3 is highly effective against lepidopteran pests like the pink bollworm, which has devastated crops in Punjab since 2015-16.
- Unavailability in India: Despite its global use, Bollgard-3 has not been approved in India yet, leaving farmers to struggle with pest attacks.
Bollgard-2 Roundup Ready Flex (BG-2RRF) as a Likely Alternative
- Pending Approval Since 2012-13: BG-2RRF, another advanced GM cotton variety with herbicide tolerance, has undergone both government and private trials but still awaits final regulatory approval.
- Weed Control Benefits: BG-2RRF allows farmers to control weeds without harming cotton plants, reducing competition for resources and increasing yield.
- Potential for Future Technologies: Experts believe BG-2RRF can serve as a gateway for more advanced seed technologies, which can further improve yields and pest resistance.
Regulatory Delays and Their Impact
- Hindrance to Innovation: The lack of timely approvals for Bollgard-3 and BG-2RRF has significantly delayed the introduction of next-generation seed technologies in India.
- Economic Impact on Farmers: Farmers face low yields, higher pest management costs, and low profitability, making cotton farming increasingly unsustainable in Punjab.
Short-Term Solutions for Farmers
- Agronomic Practices: Experts recommend proper seeding, mulching, high-density planting, and drip fertigation to improve cotton yield despite pest challenges.
- Pest Management Remains an Issue: Without access to advanced pest-resistant varieties like Bollgard-3, farmers must rely on traditional pest control measures, which are less effective.
Global Advances in Cotton Farming
- Brazil’s Bollgard-5 Technology: Brazil has moved ahead with Bollgard-5, a cotton variety that offers protection against multiple pests, weeds, and insects.
- Yield and Profit Comparison: Brazilian farmers achieve astronomical yields of 2400 kg per hectare, whereas Indian farmers produce only 450 kg per hectare. Profit margins in India remain as low as 15%, compared to 85% in Brazil.
Future of Punjab’s Cotton Industry
- Uncertain Future Without Innovation: Industry leaders warn that without high-yielding, pest-resistant cotton varieties, Punjab’s cotton industry faces an uncertain future.
- Need for Policy Reform: Experts and farmers urge faster regulatory approvals to introduce next-generation cotton seed technologies, which are crucial for reviving the industry.
