Haryana’s cotton farms holding on by a thread
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· MSP, procurement, PDS & food security· Mains·
Why in news
Cotton farmers in Haryana are facing a crisis due to pink bollworm infestations and declining yields, leading to a shift toward alternative crops like rice and poultry.
Background
Cotton yields in Haryana have dropped significantly due to pest infestation and rising input costs for diesel and fertilizers. The government's Minimum Support Price (MSP) is currently insufficient to offset these rising production costs.
Facts for Prelims
- FactPink bollworm is identified as a primary pest causing cotton yield decline in Haryana.
- FactFarmers in Haryana are shifting to rice and poultry farming as alternatives to cotton.
- FactGovernment schemes in Haryana aim to incentivize water-efficient crops.
For Mains
Q. Analyze the factors contributing to the decline of cotton cultivation in Haryana and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability of cotton farming for smallholders.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Input-cost disparity: Rising diesel and fertilizer prices outstripping the current Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework.
- Ecological-economic shift: Transition from cotton to water-intensive rice crops undermining water-efficiency goals.
- Labor market disruption: Decline in seasonal cotton farming affecting the livelihoods of rural farm laborers.
Keywords: Minimum Support Price · Input costs · Crop diversification · Pest management · Rural livelihoods
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.