Key recommendations and action points that emerged during the meeting related to introducing advanced hybrid seed technologies and pest-resistant cotton strains, bridging research gaps in biotechnology through global collaborations.
The Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) in collaboration with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), has pledged support for the National Mission on Cotton, a Rs 500 crore initiative by the Government of India to enhance productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness in cotton production. This was stated by Dr M.J Khan, Special Advisor, WAF Board and Emeritus Chairman, ICFA during the Round Table Discussion on Global Cotton Scenario-Emerging Trends and Future Prospects organised by ICFA.
Eric B. Trachtenberg, during his address, reiterated ICAC’s commitment to bringing global best practices to India’s cotton sector. He highlighted key industry challenges, including stagnant productivity, pest infestations, and climate vulnerability, urging technological and policy interventions to secure India’s position as a leading cotton producer.
Trachtenberg further elaborated that India risks becoming a major cotton importer due to stagnating productivity and inadequacy of new hybrid seeds and this situation has existed for over the past 13 years. Besides, pest infestations, particularly pink bollworm, cause an annual loss of Rs 3,900 crores (13 lakh bales) of cotton. And on top of it, climate change threatens to destroy 87 lakh bales of cotton, which would impact key producing states like Gujarat, Punjab, and the Southern regions. Hence, stronger biotech interventions are required, including advancements in the Cotton Genome Initiative and wider policy support, for implementing genetically modified organism (GMO) solutions.
Among the other speakers, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, emphasized that urgent innovation is required to combat stagnation in productivity and threat from pests while Dr. M. Prabhakar Rao, President, NSAI, spoke on the gaps in cotton breeding and biotechnology tools, stressing on the need for published research and phenotypic markers for key traits.
Raghavan Sampath kumar, Executive Director, FSII, called for stronger textile-seed industry collaboration, advocating an International Year of Cotton to drive sectoral reforms. Dr Y.G. Prasad, Director, ICAR-CICR, stressed on the need for climate-resilient cotton varieties and integrated pest management strategies.
Key recommendations and action points that emerged during the meeting related to introducing advanced hybrid seed technologies and pest-resistant cotton strains, bridging research gaps in biotechnology through global collaborations, policy advocacy for regulatory reforms in seed and biotech approvals, strengthening climate resilience through sustainable farming practices, enhancing export potential with improved fiber quality and market linkages, among others.
The discussions marked a critical step toward revitalizing India’s cotton sector, securing higher farmer incomes, sustainability, and global leadership in cotton production.
Addressing stakeholders, Shreyasi Agarwal, CEO, ICFA, underscored the role of cotton in India’s agricultural economy, stating: “Technology-driven solutions and multi-stakeholder collaboration are key to resurrecting the cotton sector and ensuring farmer prosperity.”
