(a) the production area in hectare of traditional cotton vis-a-vis Bt. Cotton during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
(b) whether the production of Bt. Cotton has registered an increase over the traditional cotton during the above period;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to promote the cultivation of Bt. Cotton?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a): State-wise details of area under traditional cotton vis-à-vis Bt. Cotton during 2011-12 to 2013-14 are given in the Annexure. First Advance Estimates of Production of agricultural crops including cotton are normally released in the month of September and the same for 2014-15 have not been prepared so far.
(b) & (c): The data on production of Bt. Cotton is not maintained separately. However, area under Bt. Cotton in the country has gone up significantly and share of Bt. cotton in the total cotton area has increased from 91.47% in 2011-12 to 93.99% in 2013-14. Total production of cotton has also increased from 35.20 million bales (of 170 kg each) in 2011-12 to 36.50 million bales in 2013-14 (3rd Advance Estimates).
(d): There is no separate scheme for promotion of Bt Cotton. However, to enhance overall production and productivity of cotton in the country, the Government had implemented Mini Mission-II of Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) in the country since February, 2000. Under Mini Mission-II, assistance was made available for production and distribution of seeds, field demonstrations, farmers’ training through Farmers Field Schools, use of water saving devices and integrated pest management, etc. During the current year i.e. 2014-15, Government has approved Cotton Development Programme as a Sub-scheme under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) by adopting cropping system approach.
Under the above Sub-scheme, assistance is provided for Front Line Demonstrations on High Density Planting System (HDPS), Intercropping, Extra Long Staple (ELS)/Desi Cotton, besides programme on Insecticides Resistance Management (IRM) and Online Pest Monitoring and Advisory Services (OPMAS). To extend technical assistance and benefits to farmers, the Programme is implemented through State Departments of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) etc.