Genetic Diversity and its Impact on Productivity of Cotton Crop in Punjab

By : Joginder Singh

Page No: 79-87

Abstract
The traditional cotton belt of Punjab state has made significant contribution to India’s cotton production and a source of livelihood. The area under the crop has shown marked difference due to varying productivity, jeopardising the mere sustainability of the crop. The basic issues namely: plant protection practices for changing scenario of insect-pests and choice of suitable varieties remained haunting. The pre-Bt period had witnessed a serious attack of bollworms adversely affecting the crop productivity and area under cotton crop cultivation. There was a rapid diversification of varieties which were short field life but put together elongated the crop season and thus encouraged the pests. However, the situation improved with evolutions of Bt varieties in 2002-03. The crop productivity responded well during its introduction period, showing CGR of 11.8% and consequently area under the crop increased. Left to the choice of farmers to select Bt varieties/trade names out of scores available, did not have the desired impact as the crop yield did not improve. Analysis for the overall study period favoured genetic diversity for productivity improvement. This potential belt, which has already lost more than 55% cotton area stands further endangered and calls for measures for its revival through area-specific short-listing of varieties, discouraging paddy crop.

Author :
Joginder Singh : Professor & Head (Rtd.) Department of Economics & Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2019.60.01.8