Mechanization pathways in cotton cultivation: adoption, barriers, and productivity implications in India

This study addresses the critical role of cotton as a leading cash crop in India, focusing on how mechanization influences productivity and farm profitability amid global competition with major producers like China and the USA. Mechanization practices were evaluated across key stages of cotton cultivation—field preparation, sowing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting—through a comprehensive review of the available literature. The analysis quantified machinery adoption, identified operational gaps, and assessed impacts on cost and labor efficiency. Findings show progressive but uneven mechanization, with advanced use in field preparation and spraying, while sowing and harvesting remain largely dependent on manual labor. Barriers include limited access to suitable machinery, high costs, and insufficient farmer awareness. Where implemented, mechanization improved operational efficiency, reduced production costs, and increased yields and profits. Expanding mechanization offers significant potential to strengthen India’s cotton sector, increasing productivity and global competitiveness. Addressing current gaps through technology promotion, tailored machinery, and support initiatives can enhance cotton farming practices and farmer incomes.