Shock to Punjab's cotton belt: 71 percent decline in cotton production, many reasons including lack of quality seeds
By yash chouhan 2025-03-10 15:30:59
Punjab Cotton Production Plummets 71% Due to Seed Shortage
According to the report of the Cotton Association of India, cotton production and cultivation area in Punjab is continuously decreasing. The Malwa region, which is known for cotton production, has been particularly affected. Farmers are now turning to other crops like paddy and wheat, causing a setback to crop diversification efforts.
The cotton producing belt of Punjab has suffered a massive decline of 71 percent in cotton production in the last five years. Along with this, the area under cotton cultivation has also come down to half.
Farmers are moving away from cotton cultivation due to pink bollworm infestation, lack of quality seeds and pesticides. The state government has now demanded the Center to provide BG3 seeds so that cotton cultivation can be revived.
Latest status
Decline in production: From 7.73 lakh bales in 2020-21 to 2.20 lakh bales in 2024-25.
Reduction in cultivation area: From 2.52 lakh hectares to 1 lakh hectare.
Government demand: Provide BG3 seeds from the Centre.
Concern: Farmers turning to paddy and wheat, which will increase pressure on groundwater level.
Status of other states: Cotton production in Haryana and Rajasthan is better than Punjab.
Setback to diversification efforts
According to the report of the Cotton Association of India, cotton production and cultivation area in Punjab is continuously decreasing. The Malwa region, which is known for cotton production, has been particularly affected. Farmers are now turning to other crops like paddy and wheat, causing a setback to crop diversification efforts.
The state government has urged the central government to provide BG3 variety of seeds, which can help reduce the infestation of pink bollworm. According to the agriculture department, if the pink bollworm continues to affect cotton cultivation, farmers will completely switch to paddy cultivation, putting further pressure on groundwater levels.
Haryana and Rajasthan ahead
Haryana and Rajasthan are ahead of Punjab in cotton production. In 2024-25, Haryana cultivated cotton in 4.76 lakh hectares and produced 9.75 lakh bales, while Rajasthan cultivated it in 6.62 lakh hectares and produced 19.76 lakh bales.
