Challenges and Opportunities in Cotton Production

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is currently grown in 100 countries and fulfills one‐third of the global demand for natural fiber. Irrespective of production regions, cotton production across the world is constrained by the high incidence of pests and diseases, weed pressure and evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds, salinity and soil degradation, and climate aberrations such as drought, floods, and heat waves. Crop production potentials and constraints can vary with countries. Introduction of genetically modified (GM) cotton and its adoption by major producing countries have changed the global trends in cotton production. Although adoption of GM cotton has ensured a reduction in the usage of insecticides and improved in broad‐spectrum weed control due to the flexibility in herbicide‐based weed management, sustainability of GM cotton could be challenged by the evolution of resistance in insects and weed biotypes. Enhanced adoption of commercially available GM cotton may narrow down the existing genetic diversity of cotton varieties. To ensure sustainability, there should be crop improvement programs by diversifying the genetic base of cotton varieties to handle any biotic and abiotic stresses and a future change in climate. Current management practices of cotton include frequent tillage, which limit a complete adoption of conservation agriculture systems and overhead systems of irrigation. The use of cover crops and narrow row spacing may minimize tillage with the additional benefits of reduced weed pressure, improved soil health and a reduction in soil compaction and degradation. Modeling studies could help to forecast and minimize different production constraints; however, modeling approaches should bring a holistic picture considering different aspects of crop production rather than isolated scenarios. More avenues also exist for the efficient utilization of by‐products. In a nutshell, science and technology should work hand in hand to minimize the uncertainties and explore more avenues for a profitable, environment‐friendly and sustainable cotton production system.