India's Cotton Economy: Challenges and Developments

India's cotton economy is under significant strain despite favorable export duties compared to other countries. The cotton production forecast for the 2024-25 marketing year is projected at just over 294 lakh bales, the lowest since 2008-09. This marks a decline from the peak production of 398 lakh bales in 2013-14.

Genetically Modified Cotton and Production Trends

• Introduction of genetically modified (GM) cotton hybrids with Bt genes significantly increased production and exports between 2002-03 and 2013-14.
• However, exports have since declined, and imports are expected to surpass exports in the current year.

Impact of Pink Bollworm (PBW)

India's transition from a major cotton exporter to a net importer is primarily due to the pink bollworm (PBW) pest.

• PBW larvae damage cotton bolls, reducing yield and discoloring lint.
• The pest has developed resistance to existing Bt cotton hybrids.
• Resistance spread rapidly due to PBW's short life cycle and monophagous nature.

The pest incidence has crossed economic threshold levels in several regions, contributing to a drop in per-hectare yields from 566 kg in 2013-14 to around 436-437 kg recently.

Development of New GM Cotton Hybrids

• Indian seed companies are developing new GM cotton hybrids with resistance to PBW.
• Bioseed Research India and Rasi Seeds Pvt Ltd are conducting confined field trials of new GM hybrids with novel Bt genes.
• Ankur Seeds is collaborating with the National Botanical Research Institute for GM cotton lines with enhanced insecticidal properties.
• Ajeet Seeds Pvt Ltd has received approval for preliminary trials of GM cotton lines with PBW-resistant genes.

Regulatory and Policy Environment

Regulatory hurdles, environmental opposition, and the requirement for state government approvals have delayed the commercialization of new GM crops in India.

• Since 2006, no new GM crops have been commercialized despite the challenges posed by PBW.
• The seed industry hopes for more proactive government policies in response to the current crisis.

Government Initiatives

In the 2025-26 Union Budget, a five-year 'Mission for Cotton Productivity' was announced to improve cotton production and quality.

• The mission aims to leverage science and technology for the benefit of farmers and the textile industry.
• This initiative is seen as urgent due to the threats to cotton production and opportunities in textile exports.