Cotton production down but high stocks reining prices: ICAC

The ICAC also accepted and endorsed its panel on the Social, Environmental and Economic Performance of Cotton Production (SEEP) study brought out by ICAC and Food Agricultural Organization called “Measuring sustainability in cotton farming systems: Towards a guidance framework”. It commended this work and suggested that the SEEP Panel continue to coordinate and monitor the testing of the indicators and guidance framework. The framework, however, should remain a tool to be

The Committee appreciated a panel discussion on the views on cotton of retailers, which revealed that the fashion and home textile sectors have ambitious goals in terms of sustainable sourcing. Their customers increasingly demand information about the sustainability of the products they purchase. Concerns about sustainability, including transparency and traceability, will become more relevant over time.

During the Technical Seminar on “Elimination of Insecticides from Cotton Production: Is this Possible?”, the Committee received three experts’ reports: While some experts had expressed confidence that cotton can be successfully grown without insecticides, other experts stated that it was not yet possible and noted the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Encouraging statistics were presented on reduced insecticide use, especially through IPM techniques, in many countries.

It was pointed at the seminar that insecticide use may lead to various consequential results such as immunity of pests, reduced reliance on natural biological control and emergence of new pests. Thus there was a need for a system approach that encourages the use of ecological options. Many nonchemical insect control options, including biological management, are available that are simple and easy to apply, but which must be used on an area-wide basis.

In the wake of growing concern in this area, the ICAC members decided that the topic of the Committee’s next technical seminar in Islamabad in May next year would be “Emerging Pests in Cotton and their Control”.

On the issue of genetic engineering in cotton production, it was observed that cotton has a much higher yield potential in certain cases than is currently realized. Improved cotton varieties are important, but the interaction between variety and management is vital for realizing optimum yields. While the role of biotechnology approaches will continue to expand in the future, breeding will not lose its significance. Molecular marker-assisted breeding is being adopted and the genetic engineering of photosynthesis has great potential for improving yields on the physiology side.

In response to several countries reporting that weather patterns are becoming increasingly unstable with consequent impacts on cotton production as a result of climate change, the ICAC announced commissioning a special study on climate change and cotton production in modern farming systems.