In cotton fields, policy is undoing what science built. That’s the challenge for the Cotton Productivity Mission

Why in news

The Indian government launched the Cotton Productivity Mission to increase lint productivity, facing hurdles from past price-control policies that hindered seed technology innovation.

Background

The Cotton Productivity Mission aims to increase lint productivity from 441 kg/ha to 755 kg/ha by 2031. The mission seeks to counter declining production caused by previous price-control policies that stifled seed technology innovation.

Facts for Prelims

• FactCurrent lint productivity: 441 kg/ha
• FactTarget lint productivity by 2031: 755 kg/ha
• SchemeCotton Productivity Mission: Government initiative to boost cotton yields

For Mains

Q. Discuss how price-control mechanisms in the agricultural sector can hinder technological innovation and global competitiveness of Indian crops.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Innovation bottleneck: Price controls discouraging private investment in high-yield seed varieties
• Global competitiveness: India's declining production relative to Brazil, China, and Australia
• Policy-science gap: Conflict between price stabilization and technological advancement in cotton farming

Keywords: lint productivity · price control · seed technology · private sector investment · global competitiveness

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