Agriculture and Farming Technology Updates

Cotton: A Key Monsoon Crop for Indian Farmers

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Monsoon Crop: Cotton is one of the most important crops grown during the monsoon season in India. It plays a major role in the country’s economy, supports millions of farmers, and feeds the textile industry.

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton. The crop is mostly grown in rain-fed areas, making it a key part of kharif farming. With proper care and timely rain, cotton can offer good returns.

Here’s a closer look at why cotton remains a top monsoon crop in India.

Where Cotton Grows

Cotton needs a warm climate and a long growing season. It grows best in areas with 50–100 cm of rainfall and plenty of sunshine.

The main cotton-growing states include:

  • Maharashtra

  • Gujarat

  • Telangana

  • Andhra Pradesh

  • Punjab

  • Haryana

  • Madhya Pradesh

These states grow different types of cotton, including American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), which is the most common.

Ideal Conditions for Cotton

Cotton grows well in:

  • Black soil with good drainage

  • Temperature between 21°C and 30°C

  • Rainfall between 500 mm to 1000 mm

It is usually sown in June-July with the arrival of the southwest monsoon and harvested between October and January.

Rainfall should be well-distributed. Too much rain or dry spells at critical stages can damage the crop. Farmers rely on timely sowing and need to avoid waterlogging.

Cotton Varieties

Farmers now grow hybrid and Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton. Bt cotton is genetically modified to resist bollworm pests.

Popular Bt cotton hybrids include:

  • RCH 134

  • Bunny Bt

  • Ankur 651

  • JKCH 1947

Some states also grow organic or non-Bt cotton, especially in areas where Bt cotton has faced pest resistance.

Water Needs and Irrigation

Cotton is mostly grown in rain-fed areas, but farmers in irrigated zones get higher yields.

Water is most needed during:

  • Flowering stage

  • Boll development stage

Farmers using drip irrigation manage water better, reduce weed growth, and save resources. But most still depend on rainfall.

Pests and Diseases

Cotton is vulnerable to several pests:

  • Bollworms (especially pink bollworm)

  • Whiteflies

  • Aphids

  • Jassids

Bt cotton was introduced to control bollworms, but overuse led to resistance. Now, pink bollworm attacks have increased in some areas.

Common diseases include:

  • Wilt

  • Leaf curl virus

  • Root rot

To manage this, experts suggest crop rotation, using pest-resistant seeds, and spraying pesticides only when needed.

Market and Support

Cotton prices depend on:

  • Global demand

  • Quality of produce

  • Government support through Minimum Support Price (MSP)

The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) buys cotton at MSP when market prices fall. This helps protect farmers from losses.

In the 2024–25 season, MSP for medium staple cotton was ₹6,620 per quintal. For long staple cotton, it was ₹7,020 per quintal.

Challenges for Cotton Farmers

Despite its benefits, cotton farming comes with risks:

  • Climate change: Irregular rains and rising temperatures affect yields

  • Pest resistance: Bt cotton no longer works as well

  • High input costs: Seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers are costly

  • Market fluctuations: Prices change often and affect earnings

Many farmers also take loans to grow cotton, and crop failure can lead to debt.

How to Grow Cotton Better

Experts recommend:

  • Soil testing before sowing

  • Using certified seeds

  • Timely sowing after good rainfall

  • Applying balanced fertilizers

  • Integrated pest management to reduce pesticide use

  • Crop rotation with legumes to improve soil health

Some farmers have started shifting to short-duration cotton varieties to avoid late-season pests and erratic weather.

Cotton remains a backbone of India’s rural economy. Millions of small and marginal farmers depend on it. With better technology, smart practices, and policy support, cotton can still be a reliable monsoon crop.

But it’s also clear that old methods no longer work in a changing climate. Farmers need better access to weather data, pest forecasts, and market prices.

The future of cotton lies in smart farming, not just in more chemicals or new seeds.

Will cotton remain king of monsoon crops? That depends on how well we prepare for the next season.

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