Punjab targets cotton revival as acreage hits record low

Punjab is making efforts to revive cotton cultivation after acreage dropped to a record low of 95,000 hectares in 2024. Punjab Agriculture Director Jaswant Singh said the government is committed to supporting farmers, aiming to increase cotton acreage to 1.5 lakh hectares in the 2025-26 season. Punjab Singh highlighted the challenges cotton farmers have faced over the past four kharif seasons, including rising input costs and frequent pest attacks. To support farmers, the government is ensuring timely canal water supply and continuing subsidies on cotton seeds. However, no specific incentive plan has been introduced for the semi-arid districts of the south Malwa region, where many farmers have shifted to rice cultivation.

Cotton sowing, set to begin in April after the rabi harvest, should ideally be completed by May 15, according to Punjab Agricultural University experts. Data shows a steady decline in acreage from 2.52 lakh hectares in 2021 to 1.73 lakh hectares in 2023.Farmers are hopeful that cotton acreage can recover if timely seed availability and irrigation are ensured. Officials are working to reverse the declining trend by addressing irrigation challenges and improving pest management to restore farmers' confidence in cotton cultivation.