Boosting Cotton Yield: Farmers Urge Government for Urgent Intervention
Indian cotton farmers demand government action to address low yields and ensure fair prices.
Photo by Paul Wuthrich
Quick Revision
India's cotton yield is 448 kg per hectare, one of the lowest globally.
CCI purchased 100 lakh bales of cotton this year.
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
Exam Angles
Agricultural economics and farmer income issues
Role of government bodies like CCI and MSP mechanism
Challenges in agricultural productivity and yield gaps
Impact of technology (e.g., GM crops, irrigation) on agriculture
Agricultural policy and reforms
View Detailed Summary
Summary
Indian cotton farmers are struggling with significantly lower yields compared to global averages, impacting their income and the country's overall cotton production. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has purchased a record 100 lakh bales this year, but farmers are still calling for urgent government intervention. They advocate for better quality seeds, improved technology, and a focus on yield-related issues to enhance productivity and ensure a minimum support price (MSP) that covers production costs.
This situation highlights the persistent challenges in India's agricultural sector, where despite being a major producer, yield per hectare remains a critical concern for millions of farmers. The core message is that sustainable farmer livelihoods depend on addressing these fundamental yield gaps.
Background
India has historically been a major producer of cotton, a crucial cash crop for millions of farmers. However, despite being one of the largest producers globally, its yield per hectare has consistently lagged behind the world average.
This gap has significant implications for farmer income, national agricultural output, and the textile industry. Past interventions include the launch of Bt cotton in the early 2000s, which initially boosted yields, but the benefits have plateaued due to various factors.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding cotton cultivation and related policies in India: 1. India is the largest producer of cotton globally but has a significantly lower yield per hectare compared to the world average. 2. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) primarily functions to procure cotton from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and stabilize market prices. 3. Bt cotton, a genetically modified variety, has been instrumental in making India self-sufficient in long-staple cotton production. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. India is indeed the largest producer of cotton globally, but its yield per hectare lags significantly behind the world average, as highlighted in the news and various agricultural reports. Statement 2 is correct. CCI's primary mandate includes undertaking MSP operations for cotton to protect farmers' interests and stabilize the market. Statement 3 is incorrect. While Bt cotton significantly boosted overall cotton production and made India self-sufficient in medium-staple cotton, India still imports a substantial quantity of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, indicating it's not fully self-sufficient in long-staple varieties.
2. In the context of challenges faced by cotton farmers in India, which of the following factors contribute to the persistent yield gap? 1. Limited access to quality certified seeds and modern agricultural technology. 2. Over-reliance on rain-fed irrigation for a significant portion of cotton acreage. 3. Increasing incidence of pest attacks, particularly pink bollworm, despite the use of Bt cotton. 4. Fragmented landholdings and lack of adequate credit facilities for small and marginal farmers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: D
All four statements correctly identify factors contributing to the persistent yield gap in Indian cotton farming. 1. Access to quality seeds and technology (like precision farming tools) is crucial for higher yields. 2. A large portion of India's cotton area is rain-fed, making it vulnerable to monsoon variability. 3. Pest resistance, especially from pink bollworm, has emerged as a significant challenge even for Bt cotton, leading to yield losses. 4. Fragmented landholdings hinder mechanization and efficient resource management, while inadequate credit limits farmers' ability to invest in inputs and technology.
Source Articles
Cotton farmers call for urgent focus on yield-related issues - The Hindu
Farm sector’s continued poor performance, an area of concern for Tamil Nadu - The Hindu
Why are farmers protesting again? | Explained - The Hindu
The cotton blow to farmers - The Hindu
Gujarat farmer distress: Where cotton clouds hang heavy - The Hindu