Request for Rs 500 Crore Provision in Union Budget to Boost Cotton Yield
26-Dec-2024 01:51 PM
Mumbai: The Cotton Association of India (CAI), a leading trade organization in the cotton sector, has made a formal request to the Central Government to allocate a provision of at least Rs 500 crore in the upcoming Union General Budget.
The purpose of this financial support is to enhance the national average yield rate of cotton and encourage the adoption of drip irrigation technology among cotton farmers.
The association highlighted that approximately 67% of cotton production in India takes place in rain-fed regions, where the crop is heavily dependent on rainfall.
This reliance on seasonal rain often leads to insufficient water supply during critical stages of the crop's development, particularly during flowering and boll formation.
These stages are crucial for cotton yield and quality, and a lack of adequate irrigation often results in reduced productivity.
The association further emphasized that 80% of the water required by cotton throughout the growing season is needed during the flowering and boll formation stages.
With the introduction of drip irrigation systems—which deliver water directly to the roots—the yield and overall health of the cotton crop can be significantly improved, especially in rain-fed areas.
The issue is particularly pronounced in Maharashtra, where 95% of cotton cultivation takes place in rain-fed areas with limited rainfall. Other states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat also face similar challenges.
As a result, cotton production in these areas often falls short of potential yields, despite India being one of the largest cotton-growing countries in the world.
In addition to financial assistance for irrigation systems, the association has urged the government to focus on providing seeds of new cotton varieties that are more resilient to water stress and have higher yield potential.
By improving irrigation systems and introducing better-quality seeds, the CAI believes India can achieve higher cotton production, reduce the gap between rain-fed and irrigated areas, and enhance the economic wellbeing of cotton farmers across the country.