Question

What are the problems associated with the growing of cotton?

Answer 1

1. Input costs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and labour, are becoming more expensive. Cotton's Minimum Support Price (MSP) is far lower than needed to cover its high input costs.
2. GM businesses sell pricey cotton seeds and fertilizers. Unmanageable debts have led to suicides among farmers.
3. Pesticides and pest resistance are causing declining yields, worsening soil quality, and stagnating production.
4. Ineffective water management depletes groundwater supplies. Over 35% of cotton agriculture is rain-fed with limited irrigation, leaving production vulnerable to monsoon changes. 
5. The lack of current technologies in cultivation and ginning has resulted in low and polluted yields.
6. If not handled properly, cotton can become contaminated during harvesting, selling, and ginning.
7. Cotton quality assessment is challenging due to loss in genetic purity of types and hybrid seeds and discrepancies in fibre admixtures. This is especially true for export enterprises that prioritise uniformity.
8. Artificial fibres are a cheaper and more consistent alternative to natural fibres.