Salem (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 25: In a bid to revive self-sufficiency in cotton production and meet escalating demand, leading agricultural scientists and experts in India have underscored the pivotal role of cutting-edge research and collaborative efforts. The call to action emerged at a national conference titled “Pioneering the Future of Cotton Research,” organized by Rasi Seeds in collaboration with the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).
Despite being a global leader in cotton acreage (13.61 mn ha) and production (34.3 mn bales), India faces the challenge of low productivity, ranking 44th globally with an average yield of 447 kg/ha. Shifting weather patterns, pest and disease challenges, and slow technology adoption have contributed to a productivity plateau over the past 5-7 years.
Dr. M. Ramasami, Chairman of Rasi Seeds, emphasized the need for cutting-edge research and policy interventions to ensure the sustainability, profitability, and global competitiveness of India’s cotton sector. Rasi Seeds, celebrating its Golden Jubilee, has played a pioneering role in the cotton seed revolution since 1992, cultivating trust among millions of farmers.
The conference also witnessed Rasi Seeds signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with key institutions, including the Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR), ICAR, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), and Annamalai University. These collaborations aim to enhance farmers’ training programs, drive research projects on cotton crop improvement, and foster industry-academia joint initiatives.
Dr. R S Paroda, Founder Chairman of Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), highlighted the significance of such collaborations, stating that partnerships in cotton research are pivotal for the sustainable growth of India’s cotton industry.
Dr. D K Yadava, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, stressed the importance of collaboration to overcome the challenges faced by the cotton sector, stating that concerted efforts are crucial for charting a meaningful path ahead.
Ajai Rana, Chairman of FSII, emphasized the urgency and importance of giving attention to India’s dynamic seed sector, particularly from a policy and regulatory perspective.
Ram Kaundinya, DG of FSII, stressed the enriching force of science and research in agriculture, underscoring the need for continued investment in these areas.
The conference provided a platform for approximately 150 delegates representing diverse stakeholders to discuss the imminent role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in enhancing cotton productivity.
In conclusion, the industry leaders and experts at the conference envision a revitalized cotton sector in India through a collaborative and research-driven approach.
