Devendra Beeraladinni, H. Lokesha and Vijaya Wali
Abstract
The study analysed the growth in area, production and productivity of cotton across different zones in India. The study is based on the time series data analysed in two sub periodâs viz., Period I (1992-93 to 2001- 02) and Period II (2002-03 to 2011-12) to know the impact of Bt-cotton on area, production and productivity of cotton in India. To explore the factors determining the growth, the Cobb Douglas production function has been fitted. There was a significant increase in growth in area from 2.29 to 4.69 per cent from period I to period II while the productivity growth has increased from -2.66 to 6.48 per cent. Introduction of Bt-cotton has significantly enhanced the growth in area and productivity across the country while irrigated area under cotton, government support in terms of MSP and modernization of regulated markets played a limited role in enhancing the production. India is exporting long staple cotton to several countries while importing extra long staple cotton to produce fine quality yarn. Therefore, there is a need to popularize the extra long staple cotton in Southern zone to meet the growing needs of domestic market. Staple length, micronaire value and tenacity are the specifications considered while exporting cotton. The study also highlights the need for effective operation of MSP in states of Northern and Southern zone.