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| Opinion Piece: The Decline of Cotton Farming in Punjab |
Introduction:
Cotton cultivation in Punjab faces various challenges, primarily stemming from weather uncertainties and market volatility. The erratic rainfall, water scarcity, and groundwater depletion have deterred farmers from adopting cotton cultivation. Despite its historically low water requirements and the promise of higher returns, indigenous cotton varieties became less profitable and more susceptible to pests over the years. The introduction of Bt cotton in 2006 sparked hope among growers, leading to increased cultivation areas and incomes.
Historical Trends:
In the 2006-07 season, cotton cultivation reached its peak, covering 6.04 lakh hectares and yielding an average of 750kg of lint per hectare, with a total production of 2.7 million bales. However, cotton production plummeted to its lowest point, hitting 3.93 lakh bales in 2015-16. This decline was attributed to whitefly infestations caused by incorrect seeding practices and substandard pesticides. This year, the area under cotton shrank to 3.39 lakh hectares, with an average yield of 197kg of lint per hectare and a total production of 3.93 lakh bales.
As of 2022-23, the current cotton cultivation area stands at 1.89 lakh hectares, lower than the previous year's 2.51 lakh hectares (2021-22), resulting in a productivity rate of 437kg of lint per hectare, marking the second-lowest level in the past two decades.
Challenges Faced by Cotton Cultivation:
Apart from issues related to the supply of quality seeds and agrochemicals, cotton cultivation in Punjab faces challenges that deter farmers from embracing it. Persistent pest infestations, particularly from the pink bollworm and whitefly, have plagued cotton cultivation in Punjab. These pests have developed resistance to chemical pesticides, leading to significant drops in cotton production and losses for farmers in the Malwa region.
Market Volatility:
Market volatility in cotton prices further adds to farmers' apprehensions. Cotton prices can fluctuate by as much as 20% within a single season. Many Punjab farmers remember instances where sudden drops in cotton prices left them with lower incomes than expected, discouraging them from taking the risks associated with cotton cultivation.
Government Policies:
Historically, government policies in Punjab favored wheat and rice cultivation, providing price support and procurement mechanisms. These policies, aimed at ensuring food security, created a comfort zone for farmers, reducing their incentive to diversify into other crops like cotton. Cotton lacks similar price support, contributing to farmers' reluctance to embrace it.
Groundwater Depletion:
The focus on wheat and rice, which require more water, exacerbates groundwater depletion. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in these crops also contributes to soil degradation and water pollution.
Underutilization of Resources:
The underutilization of cotton spinning and ginning mills due to decreased cotton production has resulted in job losses in these industries. Out of the 400 ginning mills in the state in 2010, 80% have either closed or relocated to neighboring states, leaving only 80 functional mills now.
Comprehensive Solutions Needed:
Comprehensive measures are needed to promote cotton cultivation in the state. Policies should encourage efficient irrigation techniques, promote crop rotation, and support rainwater harvesting to address water scarcity issues and reduce the water footprint of cotton. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides deserve more attention.
Incentives and Research:
The government should provide financial incentives, subsidies, and insurance schemes to support cotton farmers during periods of low production. Investment in research and development should focus on developing new cotton varieties that are drought and pest-resistant.
Conclusion:
Promoting cotton cultivation as an alternative crop for diversification in Punjab is a complex challenge, but it holds the potential for economic, environmental, and social benefits. Punjab should work towards revitalizing its cotton farming sector by implementing sustainable practices, supporting cotton farmers, and modernizing the textile industry. A comprehensive cotton revival program should be developed based on existing data, evidence, and requisite technical research and support, with farmers, trade, and industry as equal stakeholders and partners.
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