Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton in India

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE

Background: The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing cotton productivity and promoting the cultivation of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton in India.

Understanding ELS Cotton

• Origin: Derived from Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton, ELS is a high-quality cotton variety with fibre lengths exceeding 30 mm.
• Key Features:
  • Longer fibres contribute to finer, stronger, and smoother yarn.
  • Widely used in luxury textiles due to its exceptional quality and durability.
  • Requires minimal finishing, preserving its natural softness and resilience.

Global and Domestic Distribution

• Leading Producers: Egypt, China, Australia, Peru, and the United States.
• Cultivation in India: Grown in select regions, including Atpadi taluka (Maharashtra), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), parts of Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

Comparison of Cotton Varieties

• Short Staple Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): Fibre length below 25 mm, mainly used in budget-friendly textiles.
• Medium Staple Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): Fibre length ranges between 25-28.6 mm, accounting for 96% of India’s total cotton output.
• ELS Cotton (Gossypium barbadense): Features fibre lengths above 30 mm, offering superior quality.

Significance of ELS Cotton for India

• Rising Demand: India imports around 90% of its annual ELS cotton requirement (20-25 lakh bales) due to limited domestic supply.
• Boost to Textile Industry: Crucial for producing premium fabrics and sustaining export-driven textile manufacturing.
• Economic Potential: Expanding domestic production can reduce reliance on imports and enhance India’s textile sector competitiveness.

Challenges Hindering ELS Cotton Cultivation in India

• Low Productivity: Yields only 7-8 quintals per acre, compared to 10-12 quintals for medium staple cotton.
• Market Limitations: Farmers struggle to receive premium prices due to weak supply chain networks.
• Technological Barriers: Lack of access to high-yield seed varieties and modern farming methods; low adoption of genetically modified (GM) pest-resistant seeds.
• Pest Infestation: High susceptibility to pests negatively impacts yields and farmer income.
• Policy Constraints: Farmers seek approval for herbicide-tolerant Bt cotton; minimal MSP difference (₹7,121 vs ₹7,521) discourages ELS cotton cultivation.

The Cotton Mission: A Roadmap for Improvement

• Enhancing Productivity: Increase per-acre yields through advanced seeds, efficient irrigation, and improved agronomic practices.
• Promoting Sustainability: Encourage eco-friendly farming techniques to minimize environmental impact.
• Strengthening Market Access: Develop direct market linkages and ensure farmers receive premium pricing.
• Investing in Research & Development: Support scientific advancements to create better ELS cotton varieties.
• Reducing Import Dependency: Expand domestic ELS cotton production to lower reliance on foreign sources.
• Leveraging Technology: Introduce high-yield, pest-resistant ELS cotton seeds and promote GM cotton for better productivity.
• Improving Infrastructure & Market Networks: Enhance supply chains, support farmer cooperatives, and establish industry collaborations to ensure fair price realization.
• Policy & Financial Support: Reevaluate GM seed policies, introduce financial incentives, and increase MSP to encourage farmers to cultivate ELS cotton.

MAINS QUESTION:

“Explain the role of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton in enhancing India’s textile industry. What are the key challenges and opportunities for increasing its domestic cultivation?”