1. Introduction

Cotton is one of the most important fiber and cash crop of India and plays a

dominant role in the industrial and agricultural economy of the country. It provides the

basic raw material (cotton fibre) to cotton textile industry. Cotton in India provides direct

livelihood to 6 million farmers and about 40 -50 million people are employed in cotton

trade and its processing.

In India, there are ten major cotton growing states which are divided into three

zones, viz. north zone, central zone and south zone. North zone consists of Punjab,

2. Cultivated Species

There are four cultivated species of cotton viz. Gossypium arboreum,

G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and G.barbadense. The first two species are diploid (2n=26)

and are native to old world. They are also known as Asiatic cottons because they are

grown in Asia. The last two species are tetraploid (2n=52) and are also referred to as New

World Cottons. G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton and

G.barbadense as Egyptian cotton or Sea Island cotton or Peruvian Cotton or Tanguish

Cotton or quality cotton. G.hirsutum is the predominant species which alone contributes

about 90% to the global production. Perhaps, India is the only country in the world where

all the four cultivated species are grown on commercial scale.

policy.

4. Area, Production & Yield of Cotton in India

Area, production & yield of cotton in major States during last 6 years & current

year is at Annexure I. State wise normal area, production & yield of cotton is at

Annexure II. Area, Production & Yield of major cotton growing countries during 2012-13

to 2016-17 is at Annexure III.

5. Seed rate & Spacing of cotton

particular hybrid.

6. Climate & Soil Requirement

Cotton, a semi-xerophyte, is grown in tropical & sub tropical conditions. A

minimum temperature of 15

o

C is required for better germination at field conditions. The

optimum temperature for vegetative growth is 21-27

o

the extent of 43

cool nights with large diurnal variations during the period of fruiting are conducive to

to water logging and thus prefers well drained soils.

7. Crop Season

The sowing season of cotton varies considerably from tract to tract and is

the monsoon. In Tamil Nadu, the major portion of the irrigated and rain fed crop is

planted in September-October, whereas the sowing of the rain fed crop in the southern

districts is extended up to November. In parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the desi

cotton is usually sown in August-September. In addition, summer sowings in Tamil Nadu

are done during February-March. The sowings of cotton in the rice fallows of Andhra

Pradesh and Tamil Nadu extent from the second half of December to the middle of

January.

In central and southern zone of India where cotton is a rainfed crop, deep

ploughing recommended to destroy perennial weeds once in 4 years. The field is

prepared by repeated harrowing with a blade harrow prior to the onset of pre-monsoon

rains. Sowing is undertaken on ridges & furrows in drylands for moisture conservation &

weed management.

9. Method of sowing

dibbling of seeds at recommended spacing is commonly practiced in rainfed areas

particularly for hybrids. This system ensures proper plant stand, uniform geometry and

also saves seeds. This is now main system of sowing of Bt. Hybrids. Cotton cultivation on

water to meet its maximum water requirement. The water requirement is low during first

particularly in the hybrids for central and southern zones. Cotton needs to be irrigated at

50-70% depletion of available soil moisture. On sandy loam soils of northern zone 3-5

irrigations are commonly given. On red sandy loam soils of Tamil Nadu with low water

retention capacity, 4-13 light irrigations may be necessary.

11. Fertilizer doses and method of application recommended for cotton crop in

different zones

Fluchloralin or pendimethalin @ 1 kg ai/ha. as pre-plant incorporation with one hand

13. Cropping system & Intercropping in Cotton

14. Management of insect pests & diseases

TMC was implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers

Welfare (DAC&FW) in 13 States viz. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka,

Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh,

West Bengal and Tripura from 2000-01 to 2013-14. The sharing of funding of the

components was 75:25 between Central and State Governments. However, in some of the

components implemented by ICAR/ other central agencies, 100 per cent share was borne

by the Central Government. Under the scheme, assistance was provided for transfer of

technologies through field demonstrations, training of farmers & extension workers as

water saving devices like sprinklers & drip irrigation system, etc.

Cotton Development Programme is being implemented under National Food

Security Mission - Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC) for enhancing production and

productivity w.e.f 2014-15 in 15 States viz., Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana,

being implemented on sharing basis between Government of India and States on 60:40

basis for general category states & 90:10 basis for North East & hilly states. However, the

Central Agencies are funded 100% by GOI. Pattern of Assistance under NFSM-CC-Cotton

is at Annexure-IV. Allocation of funds under NFSM-Cotton is at Annexure-V.

There is no earmarked allocation of funds for cotton under RKVY. However, the

States can undertake cotton programme under RKVY with the approval of State Level

Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary of the State.

whitefly infestation.

b. A comprehensive advisory has been sent to these three states comprising of timely

sowing, use of recommended seeds, monitoring of insects, insecticides spray schedule

etc along with other instructions.

c. ICAR has recommended insect resistant varieties/hybrids so that farmers can be

advised properly in these states.

d. Timely Advisories are being issued to these States to manage whitefly.

e. A Committee has been formed in the Ministry to monitor Status of whitefly in cotton

continuously & to ensure timely & regular dissemination of advisories through

electronic, print & mobile platforms to stakeholders. The committee will also

17. Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Cotton

*Staple length (mm) of 24.5-25.5 & Micronaire value of 4.3-5.1

** Staple length (mm) of 29.5-30.5 & Micronaire value of 3.5-4.3

18. Cotton Balance Sheet: Cotton Advisory Board (CAB), Ministry of Textiles

(Source: Website of Cotton Corporation of India)