The Hindu Business Line : Cotton output rises on better farm practices

FIVE years ago, the country's cotton production was struggling to top 150 lakh bales (of 170 kg). The yield then was 270-300 kg a hectare. Things have changed now.

Last season (October 2004-September 2005) cotton production was 243 lakh bales and this season, it is projected at a record 255 lakh bales.

The yield too has increased correspondingly to 500 kg a hectare. The progress has been made despite the area under cotton remaining stagnant around 86 lakh hectares.

What has happened these five years that the country is now the second-largest cotton producer in the world and is threatening to overtake the US as the No. 1?

"Cotton production in the country has increased as a result of lot of events," says Mr D.K. Nair, Secretary-General, Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI).

While the US Department of Agriculture points out at the rising cultivation of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton as a reason, industry players say it is just one of them.

"Bt cotton is primarily not the reason for the increase in yield. Yes, the area under Bt cotton has gone up significantly but it is being cultivated to tackle bollworms in cotton and thereby, cut farmers' input costs," says Mr Nair.

"Bt cotton makes up just 13 per cent of the total area under cotton cultivation," say industry sources.

"Cotton production is up mainly because of extension activities of the Government and industry. Also, steps taken through the Technology Mission on Cotton (TCM) have helped," Mr Nair says.

The Cotton Development Research Associations of organisations such as CITI and South Indian Textile Mills' Association have played a key role in the rapid production rise.

"Besides, individual mills such as Century, Varadaman, Super Spinning and Appachi Cotton Company have undertaken efforts to improve production," Mr Nair says.

For example, the Coimbatore-based Super Spinning and Pollachi-based Appachi have entered into contract farming of cotton, assuring remunerative prices for the growers. But more importantly, they have also given farmers key inputs such as seeds.

"What has happened is that textile bodies and private mills have gone to the farmers, advised them on what seeds to sow under which agro-climatic condition, what fertiliser and pesticide to use. The organisations also educated the growers when to apply the fertiliser or a particular pesticide," he says.

A particular pest can be tackled only by a specific pesticide but usually, farmers have the habit of spraying the wrong one. "This is where extension activities came handy. Also, under TCM, every market yard came up with posters and displays that educated the farmers on what to do for specific problems," Mr Nair says, adding that all these have resulted in a substantial 60 per cent rise in yield.

TCM, in particular, came up with four mini-missions aimed to increase yield and quality of cotton produced in the country. "The quality of cotton now available in the country is very good," say industry sources.

"We are still below the world average yield of 650 kg a hectare but now our yield is better than countries such as Pakistan and China," he says.

The record crop this year could prove beneficial this year to the growers, according to industry sources. "Prices are not showing any signs of declining despite the record crop," they said.

"There are no restrictions on imports or exports. Therefore, our growers can get prices on par with global rates. With global production seen down five per cent and consumption rising three per cent, prices are likely to rule firm," they said.

"Prospects for exports are good. Last year, exports totalled 10 lakh bales. This year is very ideal for exports," says Mr Nair.

The industry expects exports to touch 25 lakh bales. "Farmers will realise the benefit of higher yield even if prices don't rise," say industry sources.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Pigeonpea stages a comeback in China

Preparing to net fresh demand

Rubber declines on poor demand

Malaysia calls for steady rubber price

Gold may test resistance, fall

Cotton output rises on better farm practices

`Rubber production capacity reaching a plateau'