Growth, yield and environmental sustainability of cotton production in India: Performance and policy measures

This paper reviews the growth performance, potential and environmental sustainability of cotton production in India. Using a decomposition analysis, it provides a comprehensive picture of growth in the production of cotton from 1947 to 2021 and during various development phases. It also discusses the environmental sustainability of Bt cotton and the potential of organic cotton farming in addressing the challenges faced by cotton growers. The results from this study can be used to inform policymakers in framing policies to exploit the potential of this sector, to generate additional employment and preserve the sustainability in cotton production.