Lok Sabha Question No. 4942 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-01
Subject: Special Projects on Cotton under NFSM
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4942

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 1 ST  APRIL, 2025

## SPECIAL PROJECTS ON COTTON UNDER NFSM

4942.  SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a)  the details regarding the fund released for special projects on cotton under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), State-wise;
- (b)  the details regarding the clusters and districts identified for implementing special project on cotton, especially from Andhra Pradesh;
- (c)  the  details  regarding  the  clusters  where  High  Density  Planting  System  (HDPS)  and Closer Spacing Planting System for cotton has been successfully implemented, especially from Andhra Pradesh; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  assessment  of  the  special  project  to evaluate improvements in cotton productivity through the project's interventions, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी

(SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a): A Special Project on Cotton titled 'Targeting technologies to agro-ecological zones- large scale demonstrations of best practices to enhance cotton productivity' is being implemented by  Indian  Council of  Agricultural Research  (ICAR)- Central  Institute  for  Cotton  Research (CICR), Nagpur from 2023-24 under National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (erstwhile National Food Security Mission). An amount of Rs. 2093.42 lakhs and Rs. 2548.94 lakhs has been released to ICAR-CICR, Nagpur during 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively.
- (b) & (c): The special project on cotton has been implemented in 61 districts of 8 states including Andhra Pradesh covering an area of 9064 ha during 2023-24. Further, the project is being implemented in 65 districts of 8 states including Andhra Pradesh covering an area of 14740 ha during 2024-25.

In Andhra Pradesh, during 2023-24 High Density Planting System (HDPS)  & Closer Spacing (CS) interventions have been demonstrated in 20 clusters ( Gooty, Peddavaduguru, Pamidi, Yadiki, Amaravathi, Atchampet, Chilakaluripet, Edlapadu, Tadikonda, A. Konduru, G. Konduru, Mylavaram, Reddigudem, Orvakal, Midthur, Nandikotkur, Dachepalli, Machavaram, Piduguralla & Macherla ) of 6 districts (Ananthapuramu, Guntur, NTR Krishna, Kurnool, Nandyal & Palnadu) covering an area of 980.27 Ha . Further, during 2024-25, HDPS &  CS  interventions  are    demonstrated  in  19  clusters  (Goothy,  Peddvaduguru,  Guntur, Prathipadu, A. Konduru, Reddigudem, Adoni, Devanakonda, Nandavaram, Pedda Kadubur, Yemmiganur,  Jupadu  Bungalow,  Midthur,  Nandikotkur,  Atchempet,  Dachepalli,  Krosuru, Machavaram & Piduguralla ) of 6 districts (Ananthapuramu, Guntur, NTR Krishna, Kurnool, Nandyal & Palnadu) covering an area of 714.56 Ha.

(d): The average productivity of cotton in the demonstrated plots of High Density Planting System (HDPS) technology, Closer Spacing (CS) technology & Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton  has  increased  by  30.40%,  39.15%  &  6.81%,  respectively  during  2023-24  and  by 39.81%, 32.45% & 18.91%, respectively during 2024-25 under this special project on cotton .

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