Maharashtra's Cotton Crisis Deepens as Farmers Shift to Soybean
The agricultural landscape of Maharashtra is undergoing a significant transformation as cotton cultivation has witnessed a dramatic decline of nearly 4.59 lakh hectares over the past four years. This substantial reduction is primarily driven by escalating labor costs and the absence of effective mechanization, pushing farmers toward more economically viable alternatives like soybean.
Sharp Decline in Cultivation Area and Production
According to official data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Cotton Research Centre in Nanded, cotton was cultivated on 45.45 lakh hectares across Maharashtra in 2020-21, producing an impressive 101.05 lakh bales, with each bale weighing 170 kilograms.
However, by the 2024-25 season, the scenario has drastically changed. The cultivation area has shrunk to 40.86 lakh hectares, with projected production falling to 87.63 lakh bales. This represents a significant downturn in one of Maharashtra's key agricultural sectors.
Expert Analysis: Why Farmers Are Abandoning Cotton
Dr. Arvind Pandagale, an agronomist from the Cotton Research Centre, explained the fundamental challenges facing cotton farmers. "Cotton has to be picked by hand. The labor cost for cotton picking is ₹10 per kg, while the selling price doesn't exceed ₹70 per kg," he revealed.
Dr. Pandagale further elaborated that beyond harvesting costs, cotton requires extensive pesticide spraying, creating additional labor demands and expenses. "The cost of growing cotton is increasing consistently, which directly explains why the area under cotton cultivation in Maharashtra is declining," he emphasized.
The agronomist highlighted another critical issue: "Cotton plucking should be mechanized to address labor shortages, but available machines in India also collect leaves and other unwanted materials along with cotton." He noted that several industries across the country are working to develop more efficient cotton-plucking machines.
International Comparisons and Research Efforts
Dr. Pandagale drew attention to international farming practices, noting that in other countries, cotton is machine-picked, and their plants typically don't grow taller than 3.5 to 4 feet. "In India, plants can reach up to 7 feet," he said, adding that research is underway to reduce plant height.
The expert also explained seed variety differences: "Indian farmers use 'straight variety' cotton seeds that allow plucking 2-3 times, unlike hybrid seeds used in countries like Brazil and Australia."
Farmer Perspectives: Real Stories from the Fields
Aba Kolhe, a cotton farmer from Ghosla village in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, shared his firsthand experience with the challenges. "This year, heavy rain during harvest caused cotton balls to lose weight. As a result, workers aren't willing to pick them even if we pay ₹20 per kg," he lamented.
Kolhe revealed the financial impact on his farming decisions: "Except in 2021-22, we haven't received good prices for our crop. Consequently, we've reduced cultivation area compared to 2019." Where he once grew cotton on all 11 acres of his land, he now dedicates only half that area to the crop.
Impact on India's Cotton Trade Balance
The decline in domestic production is affecting India's position in global cotton markets. Official data indicates a significant shift in trade patterns. In 2021-22, India imported 21.13 lakh bales of cotton while exporting 42.25 lakh bales.
However, projections for 2024-25 show a worrying trend reversal. Expected imports have risen to 25 lakh bales, while exports are likely to plummet to 18 lakh bales, according to statistics from the Committee on Cotton Production & Consumption under the Ministry of Textiles.
This dramatic shift from net exporter to increased importer status underscores the serious challenges facing India's cotton industry and highlights the urgent need for agricultural reforms and technological interventions in cotton farming practices.
