Cotton cultivation in Gujarat grows by 9 lakh hectares in 20 years

In 2012, Gujarat was the first state to have two BT hybrid cotton varieties recognized by the Government of India

October 6, 2024

Cotton cultivation expands in Gujarat over two decades

Gujarat has witnessed a remarkable increase in cotton cultivation over the past two decades, expanding by 9 lakh hectares to reach a total of 26.8 lakh hectares. This growth has led to a production of 92 lakh bales, with a productivity rate of 589 kg per hectare, solidifying the state’s position as the second-largest cotton producer in India.

Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel announced these developments on Sunday, highlighting the pivotal role of cotton in Gujarat’s economy. He noted that since the state’s formation, cotton productivity has surged by 459 kg per hectare, underscoring the crop’s significance. The hybrid-4 variety of cotton, developed by local researchers, has been instrumental in ushering in a new era of hybrid cotton cultivation, boosting overall production across the nation.

As the world prepares to celebrate World Cotton Day on October 7, Gujarat’s long-standing association with cotton as a vital agricultural product is more apparent than ever. The state’s achievements in cotton cultivation and innovation have placed it at the forefront of this industry for decades.

When Gujarat was established in 1960, the cotton productivity stood at a mere 139 kg per hectare. Today, this figure has nearly quadrupled, reaching around 600 kg per hectare. Minister Patel discussed the historical context of cotton production in India, pointing out that following Independence, the country faced a cotton shortage that necessitated costly imports. This situation dramatically shifted in 1971 with the introduction of the hybrid-4 variety, which allowed India to meet its domestic demand and eventually become a significant exporter. In 2021 alone, India exported a record $10.78 billion worth of cotton.

From 2001-02 to 2023-24, the area under cotton cultivation in Gujarat grew from 17.40 lakh hectares to 26.83 lakh hectares, with production skyrocketing from 17 lakh bales to 92.47 lakh bales. Productivity also saw substantial improvements, increasing from 165 kg per hectare to 589 kg per hectare during this period.

In 2021-22, Gujarat ranked second nationally, with 22.45 lakh hectares dedicated to cotton cultivation, producing 73.88 lakh bales at a productivity rate of 559 kg per hectare. Minister Patel expressed optimism that, through ongoing efforts and state-supported initiatives, Gujarat is poised to become the leading hub for cotton production in India, significantly bolstering the nation’s overall output.

The Minister also emphasized Gujarat’s leadership in the development and approval of new hybrid cotton varieties, including BT cotton. In 2012, Gujarat was the first state to have two BT hybrid cotton varieties recognized by the Government of India. By 2015, two additional BT cotton varieties were introduced to farmers, further enhancing the state’s cotton cultivation capabilities.

With global population growth, the demand for natural fibers, textiles, edible oils, and cottonseed meal is projected to increase significantly, further establishing the importance of cotton in Gujarat’s agricultural landscape.

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