Current status of organic cotton production in India

Abstract

Cotton is the major fibre crop grown worldwide. India leads production of cotton among thedifferent cotton growing countries. The demand for cotton in textile sector is increasing due to itsinherent fibre properties. In recent years, the awareness among the world community about illeffects of toxic chemicals and pesticides used in cultivation and processing on health is increasingdue to which the people are looking for organic products of different commodities. Cotton is one ofthe agricultural crops grown organically and India leads organic cotton cultivation in the world.The guidelines set for organic cotton cultivation have to be strictly followed for its certification.The practices such as selection of biotic and abiotic resistant varieties, use of compost, vermicompostand organic manures, intercropping with green manures, crop rotation, use of biofertilizers,bio-pesticides and botanicals, etc. form integral components in organic cotton farming.The use of locally available biological inputs significantly reduces the cost of cultivation. Thus,organic cotton cultivation is a systematic approach for maintaining biological diversity andbringing sustainable yield and income. The area under organic cotton farming is declining dueto decrease in premium prices offered to organically grown cotton. The government of Indiashould take measures and formulate policies to promote organic cotton cultivation throughguidelines in traceability and transparency for cultivation and marketing of organic cotton, andoffering premium prices of organic cotton keeping in view of the welfare of organic cotton growersand sustainable environment in large.