Government May Announce Cotton Mission in Budget 2024-25

The central government is anticipated to announce the Cotton Mission in the budget for the current financial year, set to be presented on July 23. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by the cotton sector, which has seen a decline in production in recent years.

The Cotton Mission will involve the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in spearheading research efforts. Concurrently, the Ministry of Agriculture will oversee developmental work, while the Ministry of Textiles will handle machinery and operations.

Sources said that a meeting involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Textiles, and ICAR was recently held to discuss necessary steps for the cotton industry. During this meeting, Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman of the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) and former Director General of ICAR, presented a detailed policy paper on cotton.

Approximately a decade ago, India became the world's largest cotton producer, with an output of 400 lakh bales. However, production has since declined to 320 lakh bales, allowing China to surpass India. This reduction in production has also impacted India's position as a major cotton exporter. The Cotton Mission is seen as a potential solution to revive the sector.

Experts emphasize the importance of focusing on cotton, a key cash crop. Similar to the boards established for tea, rubber, coffee, and coconut, a dedicated mission for cotton is deemed necessary. The decline in cotton production is primarily attributed to the lack of high-quality, pest-resistant seeds and the slow adoption of new seed technologies. Scientists urge the government to approve pending advancements in cotton seed technology, which have been on hold for the past decade.

Pink Bollworm Outbreak
The cotton belt in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan is currently experiencing an outbreak of pink bollworm and whitefly. For the past three to four years, various pests have plagued the cotton crop, causing significant losses for farmers. This year, the pink bollworm outbreak has been particularly severe in several districts of Punjab.

As of early July, cotton was sown in about 10 lakh hectares across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, representing a 30 percent decrease from last year. In Punjab, the cotton acreage has fallen below one lakh hectares, down from over three lakh hectares in 2019. Haryana and Rajasthan have also seen reductions in cotton planting. Traders estimate a 10-15 percent decline in cotton cultivation area this year.

Disillusionment Among Farmers
Pest infestations, declining yields, and inadequate pricing have led to growing disillusionment among cotton farmers. Many are switching from cotton to paddy, seeking more reliable returns. The lack of government measures to combat pests and protect farmers has exacerbated the situation. The proposed Cotton Mission aims to address these issues and support the cotton industry in overcoming its current challenges.