Gujarat’s Cotton cultivation rises by 9 lakh hectares in two decades

Gujarat's cotton cultivation area now spans 26.8 lakh hectares, producing 92 lakh bales at a productivity rate of 589 kg per hectare, ranking the state second in the country.

Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel notified that Gujarat's cotton production landscape has transformed over the past two decades, sharing data today, on the eve of ‘World Cotton Day’, which is celebrated on October 7.

“Cotton plays a crucial role in Gujarat's economy. Since the state's formation, cotton productivity has increased by 459 kg per hectare, highlighting the importance of this crop. Gujarat's hybrid-4 variety of cotton, developed by local researchers, led to a nationwide hybrid cotton era and boosted India's overall cotton production.” officials shared.

Cotton, often called ‘white gold’, has long been integral to Gujarat's agricultural landscape. Gujarat has been at the forefront of cotton cultivation and innovation for decades.

In 1960, Gujarat’s cotton productivity was 139 kg per hectare, which has today risen to approximately 600 kg per hectare.

The minister emphasised that Gujarat has been a leader in developing and approving new hybrid cotton varieties, including BT cotton. In 2012, Gujarat was the first to have two BT hybrid cotton varieties recognised by the Government of India.

(This story was taken from a syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital staff)