During his recent visit to the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR). Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh announced an ambitious plan to expand the High Density Plantation System (HDPS) to boost cotton cultivation in Akola.
According to Singh, covering 50,000 hectare, the initiative aims to enhance farmers' incomes and boost cotton yields, potentially increasing production to 1,500 kg per acre starting next year.
Currently implemented on 3,500 hectare in Akola, HDPS has shown impressive outcomes. The government aims to expand the successful Akola model across the country’s three cotton-growing zones—North, South, and Central, The plan includes using BG-II cotton variety seeds to plant on the new 50,000 hectares in June 2025.
The HDPS approach was first adopted by Akola farmer Dilip Thakre in 2023 on just 2 hectare. Since then, more than 1,500 farmers have embraced this close-spacing method, which allows for cultivating more plants in less space. Farmers following best practices have been able to produce between 14 to 18 quintals of cotton per acre, shares Thakre. The government has increased its subsidy for HDPS from Rs 16,000 to Rs 21,000 per hectare, with farmers now expanding their sowing efforts under this innovative system, he adds.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles in India are collaborating to ensure cultivation of high-quality cotton crops the country, noting the global cotton market is valued at $350 billion, which includes various fibers like wool, silk, and man-made materials. He revealed, India aims to produce 20 million tons of cotton annually.
While global competitors such as China, Australia, the United States, and Russia achieve yields of 2,000 to 2,200 kg of lint per hectare, India currently averages around 450 kg. However, Singh hopes, HDPS will elevate India’s yield to 1,500 and 1,800 kg of lint per hectare by engaging farmers, officials, scientists, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the Vidarbha districts.
With 3,500 hectare already utilising HDPS in Akola and an additional 8,000 hectare across eight states, India aims to set new standards in cotton production practices nationwide.
