Cotton cultivation in Punjab has experienced a significant decline in recent years, with this year marking the lowest-ever area recorded under cotton farming in over six decades. Despite the state government’s efforts to provide timely water supply and subsidised seeds, Punjab fell short of its cotton cultivation target by 42%. The reasons behind the decreasing area under cotton and proposes potential solutions to revive the cotton industry in Punjab.
Reasons behind the decreasing area under cotton:
- Whitefly infestation and leaf curl virus: In 2015, the cotton crop in Punjab was severely attacked by whiteflies, which are tiny white insects that suck sap from the cotton plant’s phloem. These insects act as carriers for the leaf curl virus, resulting in stunted growth and reduced yields. The whitefly infestation caused significant damage to the crop, leading to a loss of confidence among farmers.
- Pink Bollworm infestation: In 2021, the Pink Bollworm insect caused further disease among the cotton crop. Many farmers were unaware of effective means to deal with this infestation, resulting in additional losses. Consecutive disease attacks have burdened farmers with substantial financial losses, discouraging them from continuing cotton cultivation.
- Loss of confidence and switching to alternative crops: The combination of whitefly infestation and Pink Bollworm attacks has eroded farmers’ confidence in cotton cultivation. The inability to achieve satisfactory yields and the financial burden caused by disease outbreaks have prompted many farmers to switch to paddy and Basmati crops, which appear to be more reliable and profitable alternatives.
Way Forward:
- Establish a Cotton Research Centre: The Punjab government should consider establishing a Cotton Research Centre in Bathinda or a similar location. Such a research center would provide farmers with access to essential facilities for soil and seed testing. By availing these services, farmers can make informed decisions regarding the quality of seeds and the appropriate measures for soil preparation, thereby improving the chances of successful cotton cultivation.
- Provide technical knowledge and raise awareness: The Cotton Research Centre can play a crucial role in disseminating technical knowledge about cotton farming to farmers. Workshops, seminars, and training programs can be organized to educate farmers about effective pest management strategies, disease prevention measures, and best practices for cotton cultivation. Raising awareness about diseases and their early detection can significantly reduce the impact on crops and prevent substantial financial losses.
- Learn from neighboring states: The success of neighboring states such as Haryana and Rajasthan in cotton cultivation can serve as a valuable lesson for Punjab. These states have established research centers and implemented effective measures to combat pests and diseases, resulting in better yields. Punjab can collaborate with these states, share knowledge, and adopt their successful practices to revive the cotton industry.
Important Points:
- Reasons behind the decreasing area under cotton:
- 🐛 Whitefly infestation and leaf curl virus: Significant damage caused by whiteflies carrying the leaf curl virus.
- 🦟 Pink Bollworm infestation: Additional disease outbreak affecting cotton crop.
- 💔 Loss of confidence and switching to alternative crops: Farmers’ trust in cotton cultivation eroded due to poor yields and financial losses.
- Way Forward:
- 🏭 Establish a Cotton Research Centre: Setting up a dedicated facility in Bathinda for soil and seed testing, providing technical knowledge, and raising awareness about diseases.
- 📚 Learn from neighboring states: Collaborating with successful cotton-producing states like Haryana and Rajasthan to share knowledge and adopt effective practices.
- 🌾 Promote rice cultivation: In districts where cotton cultivation has declined, focus on increasing rice cultivation by approximately 30% to compensate for the loss.
Why In News
Despite the state government’s diligent release of water in the canals on time since April, accompanied by the provision of subsidised seeds, Punjab’s cotton cultivation has witnessed a historic decline, reaching its lowest point in over six decades.The unforeseen combination of factors, despite the government’s efforts, has led to the smallest expanse of cotton cultivation in Punjab in more than 60 years, casting a somber shadow over the agricultural landscape.
MCQs about Declining Cotton Cultivation in Punjab
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What was one of the primary reasons for the decline in cotton cultivation in Punjab?
A. Insufficient rainfall
B. Excessive use of pesticides
C. Whitefly infestation and leaf curl virus
D. Lack of government subsidies
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Which insect caused disease among the cotton crop in Punjab in 2021?
A. Whitefly
B. Pink Bollworm
C. Aphid
D. Fruit fly
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What is one proposed solution to revive the cotton industry in Punjab?
A. Reduce the area under rice cultivation
B. Import cotton from neighboring states
C. Establish a Cotton Research Centre
D. Increase the price of cotton seeds
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What lesson can Punjab learn from neighboring states regarding cotton cultivation?
A. Reduce water supply to cotton fields
B. Increase the use of chemical pesticides
C. Establish research centers
D. Promote alternative crops
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