PAU Plans Revival Push for Cotton as Acreage Falls Sharply; Targets Set for Kharif 2026

PAU Calls for Urgent Revival Plan as Cotton Area Declines; Targets Set for Kharif 2026

Concerned over the continuous decline in cotton cultivation in northern states, experts and policymakers have called for immediate corrective measures to revive the crop and restore farmer interest.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Interstate Consultative and Monitoring Committee on Cotton held at Kheti Bhawan in Bathinda, chaired by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal.

Sharp Decline in Cotton Acreage

Gosal highlighted that cotton cultivation area in the region has fallen drastically from about 7 lakh hectares in the 1980s to nearly 1 lakh hectare in 2024. However, due to recent efforts by the state government and agricultural institutions, the area has slightly improved to 1.19 lakh hectares, with a target of 1.26 lakh hectares set for the upcoming season.

Key Challenges Identified

Experts attributed the decline to multiple factors, including:

• Increasing pest attacks such as pink bollworm and whitefly

• Cotton leaf curl virus infestation

• Adverse climatic and weather conditions

• Biotic and abiotic stress on crops

These challenges have reduced productivity and discouraged farmers from continuing cotton cultivation.

Kharif 2026 Revival Strategy

For the Kharif 2026 season, PAU outlined a roadmap focusing on:

• Timely availability of high-quality, recommended seeds

• Subsidies on Bt cotton to encourage adoption

• Assured canal irrigation before sowing

• Promotion of balanced fertilizer use to improve yield

Gosal stressed that coordinated efforts among all stakeholders are essential to manage pest pressure and restore profitability in cotton farming.

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