The
ICMF-CDRA under the able leadership
of Shri P.D.Patodia, Chairman,
Standing Committee on Cotton continued
cotton extension and developmental
activities during the year 2004-05
with vigor and enthusiasm. The
Standing Committee on Cotton of
the ICMF in its meeting held in
Mumbai on 4th June 2004 had approved
specific projects in Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Haryana to be implemented
during crop season 2004-05. The
same were implemented as per brief
details given below:-
ICMF-CDRA
Scheme No. I:
To
educate cotton growers regarding
modern methods of cotton cultivation
and to provide on the spot guidance
through frequent visits of scouts
and cotton experts.
The Scheme was implemented
in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka
as per brief details given below:-
Gujarat: The Project was implemented
by ATMA with the Technical Guidance
of Dr. D.J.Patel, Retd. Principal,
B.A.College of Agriculture, Anand.
The B.A.College of Agriculture,
Anand rendered very valuable assistance
in execution of the Project. The
Project which commenced from 2nd
August 2004, encompassed 7 Districts,
18 Talukas and 194 Villages. It
covered 2968 farmers with an area
of 12840 hectares.
Highlights of the Project:
Three Kissan Melas were held
to guide the cotton farmers
as per brief details given below:-
1. Gujarat - at Village- Sachana,
District-Ahmedabad on 16th October
2004;
2. - do - - at Village - Rangakui,
District-Mehsana on 24th October
2004;
3. - do - - at Idar, District
- Sabarkantha on 23rd January
2005;
At these melas, cotton experts
from B.A.College of Agriculture
provided expert guidance. The
Project has come to a close
from 31st December 2004.
The ATMA, Ahmedabad organized
for printing and distribution
of 5000 booklets in Gujarathi
on New Agronomic Practices and
2000 Posters on IPM and distributed
the same to cotton farmers of
Gujarat.
Maharashtra: The Project which
became operational from July
2004 was headed by Dr. R. T.
Gahukar, a Senior Scientist.
The MOA, Mumbai extended kind
assistance in supervising the
Project. The Project covered
578 farmers with 2876 hectares
in 88 Villages of Nagpur and
Wardha Districts.
Highlights of the Project: Under
the Project 29 Farmers Field
Schools were organized to facilitate
direct interaction. These FFS
were held from July to November
2004 and covered 1233 farmers.
Special Training to Pickers:
Special Training Programmes
were arranged for the Pickers
to guide them about proper methods
of picking to avoid contamination
and inter mixing of Cotton.
M/s.GTN Textiles functioned
as a Nodal Agency.The Project
has come to a close on 31st
January 2005.
Karnataka: The Project which
covers 10 Villages in three
Districts of Karnataka encompasses
663 farmers with 1951 acres
under cotton. The Poject is
headed by Dr.B.M. Khadi Senior
Scientist University of Agricultural
Sciences, Dharwad and is implemented
with the kind assistance of
The Karnataka Textile Mills'
Association, Bangalore.
Highlights of the Project: A
Kissan Mela at Village Thirumalakoppa
of Hubli Taluka on 7th January
2005. About 250 farmers attended
the Mela which was attended
by a local MLA Shri Chikkanna
Gouder, Shri C.Valliappa, Chairman,
KTMA also attended the mela.
It was highlighted that yields
per hectare were higher in Project
Areas so also the cost of cultivation
had come down.
ICMF-CDRA
Scheme No. II:
To
educate cotton growers regarding
New Agronomic Practices through
Field Visits of Scientists from
State Agricultural University.
Madhya
Pradesh: The Senior Scientists
from JNKVV, Khandwa undertook
three field visits to guide
the cotton farmers. These visits
were useful both in terms of
getting valuable feedbacks as
also in guiding cotton farmers.
The Madhya pradesh Textile Mills'
Association, Indore and M/s.
Maral Overseas Ltd., Khargone
have rendered valuable assistance.
Rajasthan:
The Joint Director of Agriculture,
Sri Ganganagar rendered very
valuable assistance in organizing
three Kissan Melas in Sri Ganganagar
area of Rajasthan as per brief
details given below:-
1. Rajasthan - at Village-Thakkari,
Distirct-Raising Nagar on 27-09-04-251
farmers;
2. - do - - at Village-Dhanoor,
District-Sri Karanpur on 29-09-04
- 202 farmers;
3. - do - - at Village-76 GB,
District-Anup Gadh on 05.10.2004
- 220 farmers..
M/s. JCT Limited, Sri Ganganagar
Unit assisted as a Nodal Agency.
Haryana: A training programme
for 100 cotton farmers was organized
on 27th August 2004 at Village
Ludas, District-Hisar with the
kind assistance of DCM Textiles,
Hisar.
Important
developments:
(a) NGOs' to take Projects under
M.M. II of TMC: The Government
of India in the Ministry of Agriculture
have issued guidelines for implementation
of projects under M.M.II of TMC.
For the first time, the GOI have
permitted Industries and Co-operatives
to take up projects which would
be hundred percent funded through
the CCI for the years 2005-06
and 2006-07. The ICMF-CDRA has
informed the CCI about its intention
to take up three projects on Front
Line Demonstrations on Production
Technology as under:-
(b) Higher
Incentives for Production, Distribution
of Cotton Seed: Considering
the importance of high quality
seeds in raising the productivity
and production of cotton, the
GOI have taken bold decision
to enhance financial assistance
on production and distribution
of certified seeds as also of
treated seeds as per brief details
given below:-
Earlier Provision New Provision
i) Production of Certified Seeds
Rs.5/- per kg. 25% of the cost
of varieties
ii)) Distribution of Certified
Seeds Rs.10/- per kg. Rs. 20/-
per kg.
iii) Supply of treated seeds
Nil 50% limited to Rs.40/-
per kg.
The ICMF-CDRA
has requested the State Governments
to ask the State Seed Corporations
to avail of the higher incentives
and take up a much larger programme
for production and distribution
of high quality certified seeds
from 2005-06. The ICMF-CDRA
has requested the Central Govt.
to extend similar benefits to
seed producing companies in
the private sector producing
high quality hybrid seeds.
The ICMF-CDRA has been vigorously
advocating a role for NGOs'
to take up cotton developmental
projects under M.M.II. It has
also been advocating for substantially
increasing the availability
of high quality seeds to cotton
growers as a measure to enhance
cotton productivity.
FLD Programme in Saoner and Kalameshwar Talukas of Nagpur District of Maharashtra for the year 2005-06 under MM II ofTMC:
CITI-CDRA had undertaken Front Line Demonstration Programme for the year 2005-06 under 100% financial support of TMC under M.M.II. The Programme has been successfully completed under the supervision of Project Leader Dr. R. T. Gahukar. It encompasses 14 Villages divided under 5 Clusters in Saoner and Kalameshwar Talukas of Nagpur District. It covered 1000 farmers, each having an area of One Acre i.e. total area covering 1000 acres. This Project involved supply of Certified Quality Seeds, Fertilizers, Pesticides etc to the Project Farmers free of charge involving the respective Village Sarpanchs. Five Scouts, residing in the local Villages, were engaged in field work for timely, precise advice and guidance to farmers. They were also given training in Modern Methods of Cotton Farming. Kissan Melas, Training Programmes, Farmers’ Field Schools, Distribution of fortnightly bulletins, Slide Shows, Lecture by eminent scientists of CICR, Nagpur etc were conducted in the five clusters of the Project Fields. M/s. GTN Textiles Ltd., Saoner acted as Nodal Agency in this Project. The Millowners’ Association, Mumbai had assisted CITI-CDRA as the Implementing Authority and was also involved in the activities.
The expenditure of Rs. 1526350/- so far incurred in this Project was claimed to CCI-TMC, Mumbai and an amount of Rs.1291881/- have already been reimbursed leaving balance Rs.234470/- which yet has to be paid by CCI-TMC. The samples of cotton from the Project Fields are being collected and sent to CIRCOT Lab., Nagpur for assessing the Quality Parameters. The results of these tests along with the data of improvement in Yield/Hectare and cost reduction in farming are awaited from Dr. R. T. Gahukar, Project Leader.
As soon as the data on improvement in Yield per Hectare, reduction of cost of farming, and the improvement in the quality of cotton of project area, compared with last year are available with us, the same will be informed to all concerned.
Activities in Other States:
Activity in the following states of CITI-CDRA jointly with Regional Mills’ Associations for extension work during 2005-06 are briefly given below:-
Haryana:
CITI-CDRA along with NITMA, New Delhi had undertaken Integrated Pest Management Programme successfully in three villages namely – i) Odhan, ii) Nhuanawali, iii) Dhukanwali - of Sirsa District of Haryana with the help of scientists of Haryana Agricultural University and Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
CITI-CDRA has written to NITMA, New Delhi to give the details of improvement in Yield/Hectare and the reduction in Cost of Cultivation per Hectare in the Project Areas in value terms, compared with previous year. Also requested them to inform the Improvement in Quality of the Cotton grown in the Project Areas in terms of Strength (Grams/Tex.), Staple Length, Micronaire, Elongation, etc. The reply in this matter from NITMA, New Delhi is awaited.
Gujarat:
The joint Programme of CITI-CDRA and ATMA, Ahmedabad had been undertaken in Gujarat during 2005-06 with the following three objectives:-
i) Encouraging Quality Cotton Production in Gujarat;
ii) Training, Seminars/ Kissan Melas for Cotton Farmers;
iii) Distribution of Booklets and Posters.
The above programme covering 3500 farmers from 262 villages of 16 Talukas in Six Districts of Gujarat was completed in December 2005.
CITI-CDRA has written to ATMA, Ahmedabad to give the details of improvement in Yield/Hectare and the reduction in Cost of Cultivation per Hectare in the Project Areas in value terms, compared with previous year. Also information regarding the Quality Improvements of the Cotton grown in the Project Areas in terms of Strength (Grams/Tex.), Staple Length, Micronaire, Elongation, etc. have been sought for. The details of the benefits derived from the Project is awaited from ATMA.
Madhya Pradesh:
CITI-CDRA jointly with MPTMA, Indore had undertaken several Fields Visits, Training Programmes, Farmers’ Field Days etc. in various villages of M.P. to educate the farmers about the modern methods of cultivation with the help of scientists from JNKVV, Khandwa and Dr. V. N. Shroff and his team of experts.
CITI-CDRA has written to MPTMA, Indore, to give the details of improvement in Yield/Hectare and the reduction in Cost of Cultivation per Hectare in the Project Areas in value terms, compared with previous year. Also information regarding the Quality Improvements of the Cotton grown in the Project Areas in terms of Strength (Grams/Tex.), Staple Length, Micronaire, Elongation, etc. are awaited.
Other Activities:
CITI-CDRA had circulated on 31st August 2005, the Reports of ICAC on CSITC meeting held on 06.06.2005 and had received the commends and suggestions from ATIRA, BTRA, SITRA, SIMA-CDRA, MOA and EICA, Office of the Textile Commissioner, Textiles Committee.
Again CITI-CDRA had circulated on 3rd December 2005, the Reports of the 4th meeting of the Task Force of CSITC held on 25th September 2005 and had received commends from SITRA, NITRA and BTRA.
Development of Seeds for ELS Cotton:
CITI-CDRA had written to about 60 Seed Producing Companies to develop seeds for ELS Cotton of required quality with higher yield potential. We have received replies from a dozen seed producing companies and we have sent reminder to the companies from whom we have not received replies so far. This initiative has been taken up with the intention of creating awareness amongst the Seed Breeders with the goal of increasing production and quality of ELS Cotton.
One Day Workshop on Enhancement of Cotton Production and Quality:
An article on “Need of Industry and Future of Cotton in India” by Chairman, Standing Committee on Cotton, CITI-CDRA was published in the compendium of papers on this Workshop held on 12th November 2005 at Surat, which was organized by M/s. Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. Advisor, CITI-CDRA had participated and had spoken in this workshop.
Meeting on “Extra Long Staple Cotton” at Coimbatore: on 17th December 2005:
Shri P.D.Patodia, Chairman, Standing Committee on Cotton, CITI-CDRA, had a Brain Storming Session at Coimbatore on 17th December 2005, with some of the members of SIMA, SIMA-CDRA, SICA and Research Wing of Mahyco Ltd., to assess the problems and prospects of ELS Varieties in India. Problems regarding declining production of ELS Varieties in India, removal of subsidies of American Pima and the cancellation of forward contract by Egyptian Cotton Suppliers etc. causing steep increase in prices of ELS Cotton were discussed. The quality parameters of this cotton variety grown in India was also highlighted in this meeting. The efforts by the Seed Producing Companies to develop this variety with adequate quality parameters were also taken up. Participants in the meeting also suggested ways and means to increase the production of this variety in Southern States and formation of a separate Agro. Foundation was suggested. The minutes of this meeting was circulated to the Committee Members of CITI.
Press Releases:
Four Press Releases have been issued on the following topics:
i) Current Activities of CITI-CDRA;
ii) Five Kissan Melas by CITI-CDRA and TMC in Five Clusters of Saoner and Kalameshwar Talukas of Nagpur Dist. of Maharashtra;
iii) Use of colored Fertilizer Bags other than White, for packing of fertilizer to reduce contamination in Cotton;
iv) Increasing Production and Quality of Domestic ELS Cotton.
Use of Colored Fertilizer Bags to reduce Contamination in Cotton:
CITI-CDRA had written to Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, GOI, New Delhi and to about 20 Fertilizer Companies, to Chairmen of 111 Agri. Produce Market Committees, 353 G & P Factories to promote use of colored fertilizer bags other than white, emphasizing the seriousness of Contamination due to use of White Fertilizer Bags and it is being followed up.
================
No.CITI-CDRA/2006-07/Mah.
27th April 2006
The Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture
Government of Maharashtra
Mantralaya
MUMBAI-400 032
Sub.: Enhancing productivity and production of Cotton – Need for advance
arrangements for supply of Quality Inputs to Cotton farmers.
I have great pleasure in sending to you heartiest compliments on my personal behalf as also in my capacity as Chairman of the CITI-CDRA and also on behalf of the Textile Industry as a whole for phenomenal increase in cotton production as well as in productivity of cotton. You will be happy to know that during the year 2005-06 country, for the successive second year maintained cotton production at 242.50 lakh bales as against cotton production of 167.50 lakh bales in 2003-04. Even the cotton yields per hectare which were stagnant at around 310 kgs of lint cotton per hectare have gone to over 460 kgs / ha witnessing almost 50% increase. This has not only fully met the cotton needs of the textile Industry, but the country has been able to export about 35 lakh bales worth about 760 crores.
Cotton farmers of your State have also richly contributed to this success story at the National level. Cotton production of your State has now reached a level of 46.00 lakh bales as against the production of 31.00 lakh bales in the year 2003-04. Even the yields per hectare have also gone up to 271 kgs per hectare as against 191 kgs per hectare in the year 2003-04. This would have naturally increased the income of cotton farmers of your state. Cotton farmers of your State, therefore, deserve full compliments for their hard work.
You will also be happy to know that country’s cotton requirements are fast growing. During the year 2005-06 total domestic demands for cotton increased from 194.00 lakh bales in the year 2004-05 to 213.00 lakh bales recording an increase of 9.28%. With the opening of the Indian economy, faster economic growth and abolition of quota restrictions, activities of the Textile Industry are increasing many fold. Large capacities are being added in the Spinning Sector. As a result of these developments, we are expecting domestic cotton requirements of the country to reach a level of 350 lakh bales by the year 2010. These developments would provide ready market to the cotton growers.
You will kindly agree that the cotton yields in Maharashtra are the lowest at 271 Kgs of lint cotton against national average of 465 Kgs of lint cotton per hectare. For your kind information, cotton yields in Gujarat have reached a level of 655 Kgs of Lint cotton per hectare. You will, therefore, agree that there is need to make all our efforts to increase productivity of cotton. This would substantially enhance the incomes of cotton farmers of your State. Moreover, with increased cotton production in Maharashtra, more textile mills will come up in Maharashtra contributing to economic growth of the state.
In this regard, I may like to suggest construction of check dams in a big way and undertaking other measures for water harvesting to ensure availability of water to cotton farmers.
The CITI-CDRA has been undertaking some cotton extension activities to supplement efforts being made by various government agencies. I am enclosing for your kind information a copy of Report bringing out activities undertaking by CITI-CDRA during 2005-06.
Since availability of high quality certified seed is a critical input in raising the productivity of cotton. Making available high quality certified cotton seeds to cotton growers in time and at appropriate price is of considerable importance. It is in this context that I am writing this letter to you to facilitate taking appropriate steps immediately.
You may like to review the position in this regard with your officials so as to ensure abundant availability of high quality certified seeds as also other inputs like high quality fertilizer and pesticides to cotton growers even in the remotest areas.
Secondly, you may also like to tighten your machinery to effectively check the unscrupulous elements selling spurious seeds by luring cotton growers with low prices ad assuring high returns. This is also very necessary because more often cotton growers are misguided by such elements causing irreparable loss.
Thirdly, there is also need to guide the cotton growers to sow only one variety / hybrid to avoid admixture and for maintaining purity of seeds.
The purpose of writing this letter at such an early stage is to allow sufficient time for the Government machinery to gear-up itself and make appropriate arrangements well in advance for safeguarding cotton growers’ interests.
Sincerely hope this would receive your urgent personal attention.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.D. PATODIA)
Chairman – Standing Committee on Cotton – CITI – CDRA
____________________________________________________________
COTTON PRODUCTION IN MAHARASHTRA
Maharashtra is a major Cotton growing state. It has the distinction of having the largest area under Cotton. However, the yields per hectare are the lowest as per the brief details given below:
Year Area Production Yield National Average Yield
1997 - 1998 31.39 21.50 116 302
1998 - 1999 31.99 26.50 141 302
1999 - 2000 32.54 38.00 199 304
2000 - 2001 30.77 18.25 101 278
2001 – 2002 29.80 34.25 195 308
2002 - 2003 26.17 24.00 156 312
2003 – 2004 27.66 31.00 191 372
2004 – 2005 29.80 52.00 297 460
2005 – 2006 28.89 46.00 271 465
Reasons for low-productivity
1. The largest area under cotton is rain-fed - i.e. without assured water.
2. Small land-holding
3. inadequate transfer of production technology
4. Inadequate availability of quality inputs – Seeds – Fertilizer
5. Inadequate financial resources
