India is determined to reclaim its position as the world's leading cotton producer, necessitating a collaborative effort and the integration of advanced technologies.
However, in 2023-24, India experienced a 15-year low in cotton production, with yields plummeting by nearly 30 per cent from a peak of 572 kg per hectare in 2013-14 to approximately 396 kg per hectare, well below the global average of 675 kg.
Several challenges plague India's cotton fields, including the resurgence of the pink bollworm, unpredictable weather patterns, and inconsistent monsoons. The overreliance on Bt cotton, once a breakthrough crop genetically modified to resist bollworms, has led to stagnant and declining yields, sidelining crucial agronomic factors like soil health and water management.
To combat these challenges, a concerted effort is needed to develop new Bt cotton varieties and more effective insecticides. The next generation of genetically modified cotton should not only resist pests but also significantly increase yields, requiring collaboration among agricultural scientists, regulatory bodies, and the agrochemical industry.
Cotton is a water-intensive crop, making precision agriculture techniques crucial. Traditional flood irrigation methods are wasteful, whereas technologies like drip irrigation can save 20-30 per cent of fertiliser and 50-60 per cent of water, boosting cotton production. Precision agriculture also enables targeted delivery of nutrients critical to yield.
Digitisation offers immense potential to transform India's farmlands, including cotton fields. Drones can scan for signs of pest infestation, while satellites monitor and predict weather patterns, empowering farmers to plan interventions effectively. Robotics, AI, and sensor-based IoT inform farmers about the timing, nature, and quantity of interventions, optimising crop protection and nutritional strategies.
However, these modern approaches must be complemented by tried and tested agricultural practices. Up to 74 per cent of yields suffer due to weed infestation, emphasising the importance of early-stage weed management and practices like crop rotation, compost application, and green manuring to boost soil health.
