Amravati, June 13 - Cotton sowing has been decreasing in West Vidarbha for the last few years. Cotton, known as white gold, is leading farmers to losses. In the last Kharif season, cotton was sown on 10.83 lakh hectares. This year it is expected to decrease to 10.70 lakh hectares.
Cotton rates were low in the last season. Initially, the price was Rs 7,000 per quintal, but in the last phase of the season, the price fell to Rs 7400, due to which farmers did not get any benefit. In West Vidarbha, where most cotton is sown, cotton sowing area has been continuously decreasing for the last one and a half decade. After the arrival of BT seeds in the market, the infestation of bod jhali decreased for 4-5 years and productivity increased, but after that the attack of pink bod dawi on cotton and the attack of the sap sucking insect increased the cost of spraying pesticides.
- Average area of cotton: 10 lakh 36,961 hectares
- Sowing area for 2023-24: 10 lakh 82,450 hectares
- Proposed area for 2024-25: 10 lakh 70,430 hectares
Production is decreasing
In West Vidarbha, 90% of cotton is grown in non-irrigated area and its productivity is very low. Cotton is getting low prices for the last two years. The cotton kept at home in the hope of increasing prices is also not being sold at the expected price. Due to storage of cotton, the members of the farmer family are getting skin disorders like boils on the body, itching etc. Two years ago, cotton got a price of Rs 12 thousand per quintal, which fell to Rs 7 thousand in the last season. Because of this, farmers are worried.
This year's Kharif season is starting. Still, there is no increase in the prices of cotton, while on the other hand, the prices of grains and pulses are good. Therefore, farmers can give priority to these crops this year. Cotton producers are facing the problem of laborers. Laborers are not available on time to pick cotton and they have to be paid more wages. This year, farmers are having to work hard even to get cotton seeds.
