It dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, is verily known as the ‘king of fibres’ and yet a majority of its growers have lived with indigence. But unbeknown to many, 31,952 farmers across 537 active villages and 44,810.6 hectares of cotton fields in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, have benefited by being under the CITI-CDRA fold, and some other programmes.
The numbers are not very promising considering that the CITI-Cotton Development and Research Association was launched under the aegis of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry as way back as in 1969 with the launch of the Cotton Development Project. The aim was to enhance cotton productivity, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and promote sustainable farming practices.
Nonetheless the project has worked to ameliorate the livelihood and work of thousands of cotton growers. Some stats:
- In Rajasthan, during the initial period of CDRA, the average yield was 212 kg lint/ha in 2008–09. By 2020–21, this had increased to 940 kg lint/ha, and further improved to 1,200 kg lint/ha in 2023–24.
- In Maharashtra, the implementation of HDPS (high-density planting system) interventions has resulted in a 30–35% increase in yield compared to non-project areas. Meanwhile, closer spacing techniques have contributed to a 15% yield increase.
- In Madhya Pradesh, the focus has been on promoting extra-long staple cotton, leading to a 5–8% yield improvement through our activities.
Says CITI Chairperson Rakesh Mehra on how matters have been unfolding: “CITI-CDRA—a one of its kind extension service organisations—is promoted for enhancing farmer welfare, better industry connect, and ensure good quality cotton to industry is leading the way today in sustainable cotton cultivation through front line demonstrations and knowledge dissemination. We aim to enhance cotton quality and yield while promoting economic and environmental sustainability."
In fact, the mandate for CITI-CDRA is clear and well laid out. It works directly with farmer communities and specialised agricultural programmes with core objectives that include:
- increasing yield and quality of cotton through research and extension activities;
- ensuring that research innovations are applied in the field by educating and supporting farmers;
- promoting the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, pest control, and improved inputs for better production;
- facilitating sustainable farming and regenerative agricultural practices; and,
- establishing market linkages for cotton farmers.
It also conducts experimental cotton farms to demonstrate innovative practices, and trains growers to optimise planting, harvesting, and processing with expert knowledge, and implement modern plant protection and fertilisation techniques. Besides, promoting standardised grading and marketing for cotton products, the project also provides educational resources and training to farmers.
