Cotton (Gossypium species) production systems of India: Historical perspective, achievements and challenges

Abstract

India is now the numero uno in terms of cotton production in the world. The production increased rapidly soon after the Bt cotton hybrids were introduced in 2002. India accounts for nearly a third of the cotton area and a quarter of the global produce. Most of the production gains were due to acreage increase while our productivity continues to be less than 500 kg lint/ha. India?s textile industry contributes 2.3% to the GDP with a share of nearly 13% to industrial production. Since cotton is the major raw material input in the textile industry, cotton farming assumes great importance. To break the productivity barriers, adoption of a series of production technologies will be needed. In this review, an overview of the production technologies such as high density planting systems, plant growth regulators to check the plant morpho-frame, novel weed control approaches and nutrient and water management strategies are provided. However, these technologies involve high input use and also labour. Therefore, there is great scope in precision farming and remote sensing techniques (sensor-based agriculture) to not only improve crop productivity but also that of precious inputs such as water and nutrients. However, research on these aspects is urgently needed to make it practicable and available for use on farmers? fields. From this review it is concluded that an integration of the new and current farming technologies will enable sustainability of India?s cotton production. Furthermore, it will contribute to the UN?s Sustainable Development Goals and Land Degradation Neutrality.