Cotton cultivation needs to be rationalised

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Monday, April 20, 1998

Cotton cultivation needs to be rationalised

SM Joshi

April 19: There are as many as 85 cotton varieties grown in India and this is perhaps the only country that produces cotton belonging to all four botanical species (Gossypium arboreum, G-herbaceum, G-hirsytum and G-barbadense), besides hybrids. However, such large number of varieties leads to ad-mixture at various stages creating problems of impurity, varietal purity due to cross pollination, selecting appropriate quality and variety of cotton for count spun etc. The country has the dubious distinction of growing the largest number of varieties compared to any other country, highest area (about 7.7 million hectares) on cotton cultivation in the world and lowest yield (275 kglint/hectare as compared to 1637 Kglint/Hectare in Israel).

Cotton is cultivated in over 80 countries, of which top 13 are listed below based on production in 1995-1996 season. For a large country like ours with varied agro-climatic conditions, there is need for more number of varieties than in other cotton growing countries. However,in the studies conducted by Central Institute of Research for Cotton (CIRCOT) "almost unanimous opinion has been expressed against excessive number of varieties under cultivation in the country."

Recommended measures:

Only improved varieties with location specific high yield, economically sustainable varieties must be cultivated.

For maintaining varietal discipline/varietal purity with a view to maximimsing production of good quality seed, it is necessary to weed out (if necessary by enactment) the inferior and old varieties which have shown deterioration in yield, fibre properties.

Fix support prices for only those varieties which are recognised and are recommended to be grown.

Co-ordination between various agencies to provide good quality seed and technical know how to farmers. There is a need to invent new technologies which are different from the routine ones. Bio-technology and genetic engineering may perhaps open new vistas.

To provide network of largescale demonstrations to educate the farmers on new varieties and new technology.

Seed multiplication and distribution be channelised only through authorised agencies approved by government. The use of market seed for planting purposes had led to not only varietal deterioration and admixture but also to an intensification of the pest problems that affects yield.

Since export of textile (including raw cotton) assumes great significance in Indian Economy, requirements of importing countries need to be kept in mind.

For improving quality standards of Indian Cotton to International levels, the concept of total quality management (TQM) should be introduced and prescribed.