Why Punjab’s area under cotton cultivation has been decreasing

Why Punjab’s area under cotton cultivation has been decreasing

Subject :Geography

Section: Economic geography

Context:

• Punjab has recorded its lowest-ever area under cotton cultivation in over six decades.

Details:

• Haryana and Rajasthan have been performing well in this regard due to the presence of such research centres.
• In Haryana, approximately 11 lakh bales were produced this year, while Rajasthan had 27 lakh bales. In contrast, Punjab produced 2.50 lakh bales as of March 2023.

When was the decrease in Punjab’s cotton farming area noted?

• This year Punjab managed to bring 1.75 lakh hectares of land under cotton cultivation, falling short of the state government’s target of 3 lakh hectares by 42%, with the lowest-ever area recorded under cotton farming.
• The state’s cotton yield has decreased by 45% compared to the previous year.
• The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton this year is Rs. 6,600, while the market rate is Rs. 7,000 per quintal.
• Decline:
  • The decline began in 2015 when the cotton crop was severely attacked by whiteflies.
  • The insect is also a carrier for the leaf curl virus. The disease-affected plants get stunted and lead to reduced yields.

• Reasons for decline:
  • Lower yield
  • Pest attacks like Pink Bollworm insect and whitefly infestation.
  • Shifting to paddy and basmati crops