Cotton acreage to decline 10-12% this kharif season as farmers shy away

Farmers are shifting to other remunerative crops like soybean and paddy in major growing states

Sowing area under cotton is likely to decline by 10-12 per cent this year as farmers shift to other remunerative crops such as soybean and paddy to fetch better prices for their produce.

The area under cotton is likely to decline to 10.7 million ha this year compared to 12.2 million ha last year as distressed farmers in Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have evinced weak interest in this cash crop.

Farmers’ dissatisfaction can be attributed to two major factors. Firstly, cotton was heavily impacted by pink bollworm last year which farmers fear spoil the crop this year as