India’s Cotton Crisis

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 12)

Topic: GS3 – Agriculture GS3 – Science & Technology

Context

India’s cotton production has plunged to a 15-year low due to widespread pink bollworm infestation and Bt cotton’s declining effectiveness, prompting trials of new genetically modified hybrids amid regulatory challenges.

Analysis of the news:

India’s Cotton Crisis: A Declining Output

• Despite having a global advantage in cotton production and low tariff barriers on textile exports, India’s cotton economy is under distress.

• The country’s cotton production in 2024-25 is projected at just over 294 lakh bales — the lowest in over 15 years — marking a sharp fall from its peak of 398 lakh bales in 2013-14.

• Once a major cotton exporter, India is now set to import more cotton than it exports, highlighting a structural production crisis.

Pink Bollworm: The Main Culprit

• The resurgence of the pink bollworm (PBW) pest has been the principal driver behind declining yields.

• Originally suppressed by genetically modified (Bt) cotton hybrids, PBW has developed resistance to the cry1Ac and cry2Ab genes due to its monophagous nature and rapid reproductive cycles.

• Unlike other pests, PBW feeds exclusively on cotton, allowing it to adapt and thrive on Bt cotton over time, significantly damaging yields and fibre quality.

Ineffectiveness of Existing GM Technology

• The Bt cotton technology that revolutionized Indian cotton farming is no longer effective against PBW.

• Yields, which rose to 566 kg per hectare in 2013-14, have declined to about 436 kg in recent years.

• With resistance to Bt proteins now well documented, India’s cotton crop is facing an agronomic emergency.

New Genetic Technologies Under Trial

• In response, Indian seed companies are developing new GM cotton hybrids containing alternative Bt genes like cry8Ea1, cry1c, chimeric Bt proteins, and cry2Aa, specifically targeting PBW.

• Companies like Bioseed, Rasi Seeds, Ankur Seeds, and Ajeet Seeds have initiated or applied for Biosafety Research Level-1 (BRL-1) trials for their new hybrids.

• These trials aim to test both agronomic performance and environmental safety before eventual commercialization.

Regulatory Bottlenecks

• Despite scientific advancements, regulatory hurdles have stalled the introduction of new GM crops.

• No GM crop has been commercialised in India since 2006. Environmental opposition, prolonged trial phases, and mandatory state approvals have contributed to the slow progress, keeping farmers from accessing the next generation of pest-resistant seeds.

Government’s Cotton Mission and Policy Shift

• Recognizing the crisis, the Union Budget 2025-26 introduced a five-year ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’ to support farmers with science and technology-based solutions.

• The current PBW-induced crisis, coupled with favourable global export conditions, may push the government toward a more proactive stance on GM cotton approval, especially since cotton is a non-food crop.

Conclusion

• India must urgently strengthen its biotech regulatory framework, fast-track GM cotton approvals, and invest in sustainable pest management to revive cotton productivity and safeguard its textile economy.

What Can be Done to Enhance India’s Cotton Production?

Technological Interventions: Expedite regulatory clearance for pest-resistant and high-yielding GM cotton hybrids (e.g., whitefly-resistant and pink bollworm-resistant varieties). Promotion of High-Density Planting System (HDPS): Expand the adoption of HDPS across cotton-growing states to increase plant population per unit area and improve yield. Farmer-Centric Extension Services: Scale platforms like Cott-Ally to provide real-time updates on MSP, weather, pest alerts, and procurement logistics. Enhance agricultural extension through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and the Cotton Corporation of India to disseminate best farm practices. Post-Harvest and Market Reforms: Expand “Kasturi Cotton” branding with QR-code traceability to ensure quality assurance in global markets. Operationalize the five-year Mission for Cotton Productivity (announced in Budget 2025–26) to enhance yield, ensure sustainability, and promote Extra-Long Staple cotton cultivation (known for their superior quality, softness, and durability), thereby reducing import dependence. Encourage investment in spinning, weaving, and garmenting sectors linked with cotton clusters to ensure holistic sectoral growth.

PYQ: The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of (2021) (a) brown forest soil (b) fissure volcanic rock (c) granite and schist (d) shale and limestone Ans: (b)

Practice Question: Declining cotton yields due to pest resistance highlight the limitations of current GM technologies in Indian agriculture.” Discuss the challenges faced by India’s cotton sector and suggest measures to enhance productivity and sustainability. (250 Words /15 marks)