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How can the technology transfer programme in cotton be improved?

A mission approach is required to infuse efficinecy in the system

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	Vishwa Nath Managing Director Cotton Corporation of India

The mini mission-II of the Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) is currently being carried out as an extension of the Integrated Cotton Development Programme (ICDP) which has been in existence for a long time. The programme has not been able to bring about any improvement in cotton yield in recent times. This is reflected in the stagnating yield during these years. The requirement of a mission approach under TMC is necessary in order to achieve the objectives of the mini mission-II. There has been a shortfall in meeting the targets of many ICDP components in the past. The impact of these components on productivity also needs to be evaluated.

It is felt that some of the state governments are not in a position to supply good quality certified seed to the farmers. Due to this, farmers have no alternative but to go in for seeds of poor quality, which results in lower yield and at times failure of crop. Adequate steps are required to be taken under mini mission-II to address this deficiency.

Three Bt cotton hybrids were cultivated in one lakh acre of area in the Central and South zones last year. Conflicting reports have emanated from states about the efficacy of Bt cotton, particularly from Gujarat where farmers are not very happy as Bt fails to provide higher productivity. Besides, Bt cotton quality was poor as compared to Shanker-6. In MP too, several incidences of wilt were observed. The ministry of agriculture should, therefore, come out with an authentic report about the performance of Bt in states where it was grown last year.

This will be important for Bt cotton cultivation during the next season. Apart from more Bt hybrids likely to come from other seed companies, varieties are also likely to come from public sector research system. Bt variety will be ideal since the cost of seed will be less and the seed can be re-used for sowing which is one of the reasons why Bt cotton has spread so fast in China.

A major problem being experienced by the industry is that of poor quality of cotton and admixture of varieties at different levels which is playing havoc. There is a prime need to reduce the number of varieties for which recommendations have already been made by an expert committee appointed by CAB. The authorities concerned should look into the same and take suitable steps at the earliest. In order to improve the transfer of technology process, it is important to have a whole village approach for dissemination of technologies, including IPM technology. This will be of great help in improving the performance the mini mission-II. Integrated cotton farming should also be made as a component for better and faster results.

Since agriculture is a state subject, greater involvement of state governments is essential to make this programme a success. Periodical meetings at state levels and higher allocation of funds to the states than the present 75:25, will attract effective state government participation. Moreover, the private sector, NGOs and even CCI should be more effectively involved in the implementation of mini mission-II, so that the objectives of the mission are achieved at faster pace.

(As told to Arbind Gupta)