Leading agricultural scientists and experts in India are calling for a renewed focus on cutting-edge research and development to increase cotton productivity and improve the income of farmers. This plea was made at a national conference titled “Pioneering the future of cotton research,” recently held in Salem, Tamil Nadu. Organised by Rasi Seeds as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations in collaboration with the Federation of Seed Industry in India (FSII), the conference witnessed the participation of about 150 researchers and scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and other institutions across the country.
The conference highlighted the need to enhance cotton productivity in India, which currently stands at 447 kg per hectare. Although India leads globally in terms of acreage (136.1 lakh hectares) and production (342 lakh bales of 170 kg), factors such as changing weather patterns, increasing pest and disease challenges, and slow adoption of advanced technologies have hindered further improvements in yield over the past 5-7 years.
M Ramasami, Chairman of Rasi Seeds, emphasised the importance of technology and policy interventions to ensure the sustainability, profitability, and global competitiveness of India’s cotton sector. The experts at the conference stressed the urgent need for holistic solutions and advancements in research and development to address these challenges effectively. As India continues to be a key player in the global cotton industry, focusing on innovation and adopting advanced technologies will be critical in achieving higher productivity and ensuring better incomes for farmers.
