Cotton yield tanks to decadal low in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: In what could trigger greater concerns for the entire cotton value-chain, India’s cotton yield slumped to a decadal low of 420.72kg or 2.47 bales per hectare during 2018-19, shows an analysis by Cotton Association of India (CAI).

According to the apex trade body, cotton yield in Gujarat is estimated to be 549.83kg per hectare, which is lower than other states such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. At 283.73kgs, Maharashtra has witnessed the lowest yield among the Indian states.
CAI has estimated a total 312 lakh bales (170kg each) production of cotton in 2018-19 season with Gujarat contributing 86 lakh bales. Less availability of water for irrigation, uneven distribution of rain and global warming have negatively impacted the cotton yield in India, say industry experts.
“Bringing larger area into cultivation of cotton to increase production is not the solution for India. What is required is to increase the overall cotton yield levels,” said Atul Ganatra, president, CAI.
“This calls for urgent attention and concerted efforts by all stakeholders for increasing the cotton yield in India lest a day should not be far off when India will turn into a net cotton importing country,” he added.