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EICA estimates 2003-04 cotton crop at 175.75 lakh bales

‘Farmers and the industry both should adequately share the gains in productivity’

Arbind Gupta - Mumbai

The gains arising out of the increase in productivity as also the research and development, must be adequately shared with the farmers who are the most crucial link of the cotton supply chain. This will not only help them increase their income but also encourage them to invest more in enhancing the overall cotton production. Moreover, one has to balance the interests of the growers on one hand and the consuming industry on the other, according to Mr Shankersinh Vaghela, Union textile minister. While addressing the recent All India Cotton Trade Associations’ conference, the minister hailed the efforts under the Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC), which resulted in improvement in cotton productivity to around 375 kg per hectare during the last cotton season. This increase in productivity assumes huge significance as the country’s cotton productivity remained stagnant at around 300 kg per hectare for more than a decade.

“Only when we make collective efforts to help farmers grow quality cotton at competitive prices, our cotton economy will be strengthened. There is need to continue our efforts in future since there is long way to go before our production compete in the global market, both in terms of cost and quality,” added Mr Vaghela who urged the ginning and pressing units as also trade bodies to come forward and participate actively into the integrated cotton cultivation process for its widespread acceptance.

The minister asked the research institutes under the Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) to step up its activities related to cotton crop for developing improved high-yielding varieties.

Echoing a similar view, Mr K F Jhunjhunwala, president, East India Cotton Association (EICA) stated, “Without a competitive cotton supply chain, it will be difficult to set up a competitive textile industry base. Our quality and productivity call for intensified R&D and its proper transfer to farmers. Moreover, we have to create a need-based cotton production base.”

Citing small farm holding as one of the constrains in implementing viable commercial farming, EICA chief demanded modification in the Land Ceiling Act for expanding farm holding.