General Discussions

Cotton, known locally as Kapas, is often called the “white gold” of Indian agriculture. As the backbone of the textile industry, it provides livelihoods to millions of farmers across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Yet, despite its economic importance, Kapas Ki Kheti faces numerous obstacles in 2025 ranging from climate shocks and pest attacks to price instability and soil degradation.

But the good news New research, sustainable practices, and government initiatives are paving the way for better yields, higher profits, and long-term resilience. Let’s explore the major challenges in cotton farming today and the best solutions available for farmers.

 Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Problem

Cotton farming is at the mercy of unpredictable weather. In September 2025, Punjab experienced its worst flood in thirty years, submerging vast stretches of cotton fields and leaving farmers in despair. Beyond floods, other states are grappling with scorching droughts, rising temperatures, and untimely showers, all of which are cutting into yields and creating uncertainty for cultivators.

Solutions

1.     Strengthen drainage networks and build rainwater-harvesting systems to safeguard crops against both flooding and drought.

2.     Introduce climate-resilient cotton hybrids capable of withstanding excessive moisture as well as prolonged heat.

3.     Act on agricultural advisories such as those from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) which recommend using Amistar Top fungicide, cobalt chloride to reduce wilting, and essential nutrient sprays to protect plants after heavy rainfall.

4.     Promote climate-smart farming techniques, including drip irrigation and mulching, to conserve water and ensure stable crop growth even in challenging conditions.

Market Fluctuations and Import Pressure

Problem

In 2025, the Indian government removed import duties on cotton, a move that made foreign cotton particularly from the U.S. significantly cheaper in the domestic market. While this step benefits textile mills by reducing raw material costs, it has had the opposite effect on Indian farmers. Domestic prices have dropped, leaving cotton growers struggling to cover their production expenses.

Adding to this challenge, farmers are pushing for an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to safeguard their incomes. However, textile manufacturers argue that higher MSP will raise production costs and hurt India’s global competitiveness in garments and fabrics. This tug-of-war between farmer survival and industry demands has created a serious policy dilemma.

Solutions

1.     Balanced MSP Policy:Instead of blanket MSP hikes, a tiered MSP structure could be introduced, ensuring farmers get fair returns while controlling input costs for textile mills. Linking MSP to productivity improvements such as higher yields per acre can benefit both sides.

2.     Cotton Productivity Mission 2025:The government’s ₹2,500 crore initiative aims to modernize cotton farming. This includes support for farm mechanization, high-density planting, pest management technologies, and supply chain traceability. By reducing production costs and improving quality, farmers can remain competitive even without heavy tariff protection.

3.     Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs):Small cotton growers often sell through multiple middlemen, losing a share of profits. By joining FPOs or cooperatives, farmers can pool resources, access inputs at lower costs, and negotiate better prices directly with ginners and mills. Successful FPOs in Maharashtra and Gujarat have already shown that collective bargaining increases farmer incomes.

4.     Digital Marketplaces and Direct Linkages:With the rise of agri-tech platforms, cotton farmers can now sell directly to textile manufacturers, eliminating intermediaries. These platforms not only ensure better price discovery but also provide access to real-time market data, helping farmers make informed decisions about when and where to sell.

Pests and Falling Yields

Problem:Cotton yields in India are declining production dropped from ~360 lakh bales in 2019–20 to ~306 lakh bales in 2024–25. The pink bollworm is one of the biggest culprits, with Bt cotton losing its effectiveness due to pest resistance. Excessive pesticide use has further harmed soil health without eliminating infestations.

Solutions:

1.     Switch to certified seeds and pest-resistant hybrids.

2.     Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) using biopesticides, neem-based sprays, and pheromone traps.

3.     Promote the Akola High-Density Planting Model (HDPS), which increases plant population, improves yields, and reduces pest impact.

4.     Adopt precision farming tools like AI-driven traps, drones, and soil sensors to detect pests early and apply targeted solutions.

 Soil Degradation and Water Stress

Problem

Cotton is often called “white gold,” but it comes at a steep environmental cost. As one of the most water-hungry crops, it drains precious groundwater resources, especially in states like Maharashtra, where over-irrigation has pushed aquifers to dangerous levels. India, which grows more than one-fifth of the world’s cotton, uses a disproportionate amount of irrigation water for its cultivation. On top of this, the heavy application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is steadily eroding soil fertility, leaving fields less productive year after year.

Solutions

1.     Adopt regenerative farming practices that revive soil health through crop rotation, organic compost, and a reduced reliance on chemicals.

2.     Promote indigenous cotton varieties such as Gujarat’s Kala Cotton and Punjab’s Desi Kapaa, which are naturally hardy, pest-resistant, and thrive with minimal water.

3.     Boost organic cotton cultivation, which not only reduces environmental stress but also earns farmers premium prices in domestic and international markets.

4.     Scale up initiatives like the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) to bring sustainable farming methods to more regions, ensuring cotton is grown responsibly while protecting farmer livelihoods.

Farmer Distress and Social Challenges

Problem:Cotton farmers face some of the highest rates of debt and suicide in India. Crop failures, fluctuating prices, and high input costs often push them into financial crises. Lack of mental health support makes the problem worse.

Solutions:

1.     Strengthen crop insurance schemes tied to climate risks and yield losses.

2.     Ensure timely MSP procurement so farmers aren’t forced to sell at distress prices.

3.     Promote crop diversification (soybean, pulses, maize) to reduce over-dependence on cotton.

4.     Establish mental health support centers and awareness programs in cotton-growing belts.

5.     Expand fair-trade certifications that guarantee farmers better incomes.

 Supply Chain and Sustainability Gaps

Problem:Global textile buyers demand cotton that is sustainable and traceable, but India struggles with fragmented supply chains and limited verification systems. Without improvements, Indian cotton risks losing ground in export markets.

Solutions:

1.     Implement digital traceability systems under Cotton Productivity Mission 2025.

2.     Encourage circular economy models, where cotton waste is recycled into biochar or reused in textiles.

3.     Align India’s cotton production with international certifications like BCI and organic standards.

4.     Foster brand-farmer partnerships, ensuring transparency from farm to fabric.

Remarks

In 2025, Kapas Ki Kheti faces both challenges and opportunities. While climate change, pest attacks, and market instability threaten farmers, new technologies, supportive policies, and sustainable practices provide a clear path forward. By embracing science-driven farming, fair MSP systems, eco-friendly methods, and strong farmer welfare measures, cotton farming in India can shift from uncertainty to a future of resilience, profitability, and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Kapas Ki Kheti

1. What are the major problems in Kapas Ki Kheti in 2025?

Ans:The biggest issues include climate extremes (floods and droughts), pest attacks like pink bollworm, high input costs, soil and water degradation, and unstable cotton prices due to import pressures. Farmer distress and lack of sustainable practices also remain key concerns.

2. How can farmers protect cotton crops from pink bollworm?

Ans:Farmers can adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including pheromone traps, biopesticides, neem extracts, and crop rotation. Using certified pest-resistant seeds and high-density planting systems also helps minimize pest damage.

3. What are the best solutions for water scarcity in cotton farming?

Ans: The most effective solutions include drip irrigation, mulching, rainwater harvesting, and regenerative farming practices. Growing indigenous cotton varieties like Kala Cotton requires less water compared to hybrid Bt cotton.

4. How does the Cotton Productivity Mission 2025 help farmers?

Ans: This government-backed mission, with a fund of ₹2,500 crore, aims to improve cotton productivity through modern farming techniques, precision agriculture, traceability systems, and better infrastructure, ensuring farmers remain competitive in global markets.

5. Is organic cotton farming profitable for Indian farmers?

Ans: Yes  Organic cotton fetches 20–30% higher market prices due to strong demand from eco-conscious global brands. It also reduces input costs since farmers use natural fertilizers and pest control, improving long-term soil health and profitability.

6. How can farmer suicides in cotton-growing regions be reduced?

Ans: Key measures include ensuring timely MSP procurement, expanding crop insurance, promoting crop diversification, providing low-interest loans, and creating mental health support systems in rural communities.

7. What role does technology play in modern cotton farming?

Ans: Technologies like drones, AI-based pest traps, soil health sensors, and satellite monitoring help farmers detect problems early, optimize inputs, and increase yields sustainably. Digital marketplaces also help farmers sell directly to buyers at fair prices.

8. Why is sustainability important in Kapas Ki Kheti?

Ans: Sustainability ensures that cotton farming does not exhaust soil, water, and biodiversity resources. With global textile buyers demanding traceable, eco-friendly cotton, adopting Better Cotton standards, regenerative practices, and organic farming is essential for long-term profitability and export growth.