Cotton ( Gossypium species) research-a pursuit towards self-sufficiency and export

Abstract

The textile sector contributes to one-third of export earnings of India and cotton (Gossypium spp) alone constitutes
nearly 70% of raw material. In the 3 distinct agro-ecological regions of cotton cultivation (Northern zone. Southern zone
and Central zone) productivity is highest in the Northern zone and lowest in Central zone. During the first two 5-Year-Plan
Periods released varieties'made significant impact in Punjab. Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The
achievements made during the post-All-India Co-ordinated Cotton Improvement Project era. coupled with basic and
strategic research resulted in spectacular quantitative and qualitative changes in the cotton scenario. The production
increased from 5.266 million bales during 1966-67 to 17.8 million bales during 1996-97. with a wide range in fibre
quality parameters (6s to 120s) to fulfil the requirements of textile industry. The article deals with genetic improvement,
production technology, plant protection and transfer of technology in cotton. Future thrust areas arc also suggested for
further improvement in cotton production and productivity.