Govt to adopt HDCP techniques to initiate cotton exports by 2030: Union Agriculure Minister

At a recently held meeting, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Agriculture Minister, announced an ambitious plan to revolutionize cotton cultivation, aiming to cease imports and initiate exports by 2030. An important aspect of this strategy is the nationwide promotion of high-density cotton planting (HDCP) techniques, inspired by successful models developed by farmers in Maharashtra.

Chauhan highlighted the Akola pattern of HDCP, pioneered by farmer Dilip Thakre, as a nationally recognized success. Similarly, Dilip Pohane from Wardha, supported by the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), demonstrated increased productivity through dense planting methods. These proven techniques will now be scaled across the country.

The minister urged seed companies and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to prioritize research on cotton varieties best suited for HDCP. He also acknowledged the growing demand for HTBT (herbicide-tolerant Bt) cotton technology, stating that discussions are underway with the environment ministry regarding its potential legalization, given the prevalence of unauthorized planting.

Other key initiatives include intensifying research on and quality improvement of indigenous cotton varieties, developing a robust agricultural extension system to ensure knowledge transfer from ‘lab to land,’ and implementing strict regulations against counterfeit seeds. The government will also focus on AI-based pheromone traps for pink bollworm control, affordable mechanization, and customized solutions for small farmers.

Attended by Giriraj Singh, Union Textile Minister and other agricultural dignitaries, the meeting highlighted the need for a collaborative effort to enhance cotton productivity and farmer prosperity.