“San-Vardhan” (Cotton You Can Trust) project was launched in Punjab and Haryana during Kharif 2024. Sportking India funded this project in 3 districts of Punjab and Haryana to support cotton farmers. ATGC Biotech provided its eco-friendly CREMIT technology, while Reviving Green Revolution Cell (RGR) – an associate organization of Tata Trusts & Team Athena Pvt. Ltd provided ground expertise to help farmers combat the Pink Bollworm issue (PBW). To celebrate the successful conclusion of this CSR initiative, a Stakeholders Meet was convened to explore the revival of cotton in northern India.
The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Baljinder Saini, Executive Director of RGR Cell, who emphasized the necessity of initiatives like San-Vardhan, citing a 31% decline in cotton cultivation area and a 38% drop in production over the past few years. He shared the project, funded by Sportking India, demonstrates its potential to make a significant difference in the lives of cotton farmers and the environment in northern India, and marks a promising beginning to help cotton farmers across India.
. He also highlighted on the project’s key accomplishments:
· 660 farmers across 2000 acres in 3 districts of Punjab and Haryana benefited from the project and found cotton as a better alternative to paddy
· Average yields increased by 21%, leading to a 30% rise in farmers’ incomes
· Chemical usage reduced by 2.1 sprays, improving soil health, environmental sustainability and creating positive impact on the environment
Rakesh Rathi, Director at Indian Cotton Association, highlighted the huge demand-supply gap in cotton in the northern region, with a requirement of 9 million bales annually, but availability of less than 3 million bales and hence sourcing from other states and outside India. Cotton cultivation in Punjab has declined drastically from 7.5 million hectares to just 90,000 hectares last year, impacting Punjab’s economy and cotton industry. Rathi suggested the government withdraw the mandi tax on cotton and moreover support farmers in accessing good hybrid seeds in the northern belt to increase cultivation.
Representing Sportking India, Naresh Behl participated in the event, conveying Managing Director Munish Avasthi’s pride and enthusiasm for being part of this innovative initiative. He
emphasized the initiative’s demonstration of collaborative power in driving positive change and encouraged fellow industry stakeholders to continue supporting such impactful endeavours.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana, highlighted the challenges faced by cotton farmers in Punjab. He said “The decline in cotton cultivation to increased costs in cotton farming and paddy encroachment in cotton-growing areas. Hel appreciated the efforts of the San-Vardhan team in helping cotton farmers and emphasized the need for mass
adoption of technologies to reverse the paddy trend in north India”. Specifically, he mentioned that PAU has recommended the CREMIT technology to the state government for Pink Bollworm management.
Farmers from Bathinda and Sirsa shared their positive experiences with the CREMIT technology, expressing enthusiasm to continue using it in the upcoming cotton season.
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