The adoption of advanced GM seed technologies presents a compelling opportunity to address these issues, enhance production, and drive economic benefits across the country
Ravindra Ojha
India’s cotton industry, a linchpin of its agricultural and textile economy, is poised for a significant transformation with the introduction of next-generation GM seeds. From modest beginnings in the mid-20th century to becoming the world’s leading cotton producer, India’s cotton sector has demonstrated remarkable growth. However, the sector faces critical challenges that threaten to undermine its progress. The adoption of advanced GM seed technologies presents a compelling opportunity to address these issues, enhance production, and drive economic benefits across the country.
India’s journey in cotton production has been marked by gradual but steady progress. In the 1950s and 1960s, cotton yields were around 130 kg per hectare, with an average production of approximately 60 lakh bales. By 2002-03, advancements in irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides had increased yields to 302 kg per hectare and production to 136 lakh bales. This upward trajectory highlighted the potential for growth in Indian cotton agriculture.
The introduction of Bt cotton in 2002 revolutionized the industry. Monsanto’s first-generation GM technology significantly improved yields by 25-60% compared to traditional varieties and reduced pesticide usage. Bt cotton also offered higher oil content, benefiting ginners and oil mills. By 2014-15, cotton acreage had expanded from 76.3 lakh hectares to 128.5 lakh hectares, with yields reaching 511 kg per hectare and production peaking at 398 lakh bales. This surge in production helped India surpass China as the world’s largest cotton producer.
Despite the early successes, the cotton sector faced setbacks with the emergence of the pink bollworm resistance. From 2014 onwards, resistance to Bt cotton became evident, with significant infestations reported in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. By 2017-18, pink bollworm infestations had reached epidemic levels, leading to 10-30% yield losses. This crisis has underscored the limitations of the current Bt cotton varieties and the urgent need for new solutions.
The next-generation GM seeds offer promising advancements over current varieties. Unlike the existing Bt cotton, which relies on a single protein strain to combat pests, new GM seeds incorporate multiple strains of proteins, providing enhanced protection against bollworms and other pests. These seeds also offer better weed management, potentially reducing the need for herbicides.
The adoption of these advanced seeds could address several critical issues. If new GM seeds improve yields to the 566 kg per hectare achieved in 2013-14, production could rise to 402 lakh bales. This increase would not only help stabilize production but also generate an additional $3.72 billion annually, enhancing the economic viability of cotton farming. Improved yields would boost farmers’ incomes by 31% due to both higher yields and reduced cultivation costs. Additionally, the increased production could add approximately $9.8 billion to the Indian economy each year.
India’s domestic cotton consumption has surged, growing from 154 lakh bales in 2002-03 to 315 lakh bales in 2023-24. This growth has fueled the expansion of the textile sector, with the market increasing from $50 billion in 2010-11 to $99 billion in 2021-22, and projected to reach $190 billion by 2025-26. Enhanced cotton production could further stimulate this sector, leading to increased yarn exports and higher fabric and garment production. The textile industry is a major employer, providing direct and indirect jobs to over 105 million people. An increase in cotton production and textile output could potentially create up to 3.5 million new jobs, further supporting the sector’s growth.
Failing to address the seed technology issue could have serious repercussions. Persistently low yields may force the government to increase the minimum support price (MSP), making Indian cotton less competitive globally. This could lead to reduced exports and increased fiscal pressure on MSP procurement. Moreover, the competitiveness of Indian cotton textiles in the global market could be jeopardized, impacting export goals and potentially leading to financial difficulties for the textile sector.
To fully capitalize on the benefits of next-generation GM seeds, several strategic and policy actions are required. The government must expedite the approval and rollout of new GM seed varieties. Ensuring policy stability and support for these technologies will be crucial for their successful adoption. Given the significant impact of GM technology on the cotton sector, it is essential to navigate the debates around trait fees and intellectual property rights (IPR) effectively. Ensuring fair and supportive policies will help foster innovation and adoption. Continued investment in R&D is critical for developing and improving seed technologies. Collaborations between government, research institutions, and private companies can drive innovation and address emerging challenges. Providing farmers with information and resources about new seed technologies, pest management, and best practices will be essential for successful implementation.
The introduction of next-generation GM seeds represents a transformative opportunity for India’s cotton sector and textile economy. By addressing current challenges and leveraging advanced technologies, India can enhance cotton production, drive economic growth, and strengthen its position in the global textile market. The potential benefits—ranging from increased yields and economic contributions to job creation and environmental sustainability—make a compelling case for the accelerated adoption of these innovative seed technologies. As India moves forward, embracing this technological advancement will be key to sustaining the growth and prosperity of its cotton and textile industries.
