Cotton Revolution
Context:
The steady decline in cotton yields over the past decade signals the waning of India’s cotton revolution, which began in 2002 with the introduction of genetically modified (GM) Bt-cotton hybrids.
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- This decline is attributed to various factors, including the rise of new pests and diseases, but primarily to the government’s misguided GM crop policies.
- These policies have hindered the development and introduction of new, upgraded seeds needed to replace outdated varieties.
Geographical Conditions required for Cotton Production
Climate
- Warm and humid climate with a long frost-free period of at least 210 days
- Ideal temperature range of 21-37°C during active growth
- Can tolerate temperatures up to 43°C for short periods if humidity is high
- Requires 50-100 cm of rainfall evenly distributed throughout the growing season
Soil
- Well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus
- Sandy loam or black cotton soil is ideal, with a pH range of 5.8-8.0
- Gentle slopes help with drainage
Status of Bt-cotton in India:
- The original Bt-cotton hybrids, engineered with a pest-resistant gene from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), have lost their effectiveness against evolving pests, pathogens, and climate challenges. New, improved seeds are urgently needed.
- Monsanto, the pioneer behind Bt-cotton hybrids, exited India due to the government’s restrictive approach, and other private-sector seed companies have been hesitant to invest in GM technology given the uncertainty of approvals.
- Some newer GM cotton strains, such as herbicide-tolerant Bt hybrids, are available but are largely sold illegally, pending formal government approval.
- As a result, India lags five to six generations behind other countries in advanced GM cotton seed usage.
Cotton Production in India
- India’s cotton yield, which had risen from 278 kg per hectare in 2001 to 566 kg in 2013-14, has since fallen to around 440-445 kg per hectare, far below the global average of nearly 800 kg.
- Countries like Australia, Brazil, and China achieve yields of 1,800-2,000 kg per hectare.
- Despite India’s lower yields, its total cotton production is comparable to China’s due to its vast cotton acreage, the largest in the world at 13 million hectares.
- However, India’s per-hectare yield is less than a quarter of China’s.
- India is unique in cultivating all four cotton species—Gossypium arboreum and G. herbaceum (Desi cotton), G. barbadense (Egyptian cotton), and G. hirsutum (American cotton).
- While American cotton dominates, accounting for over 90% of cotton land, Desi cotton remains valued for its softness and resilience against pests and weather extremes.
Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
India’s policy framework regarding genetically modified (GM) crops, particularly Bt crops, is governed by a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at ensuring safety and efficacy. The primary regulatory body is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Regulatory Framework: Legislative Acts: Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA), Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Current Status of GM Crops: As of now, Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India since 2002. Other proposed GM crops like Bt brinjal faced significant delays due to public opposition and regulatory scrutiny. The GEAC has recently cleared proposals for GM mustard but awaits further environmental safety assessments before commercialisation.
Need to sustain Cotton Revolution:
- Sustaining the cotton revolution is essential for India’s textile industry, which contributes 5% to the GDP, 14% to industrial production, and 11% to export revenue.
- With around 6 million cotton farmers and millions more involved in processing, trade, and the textile industry itself, cotton is vital to the economy.
- India’s textile market, valued at $240 billion, is expected to reach $475 billion by 2033, driven by a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%.