Delivering a compelling message on the future of the cotton industry in a virtual address at the Global Cotton Conference, renowned global consultant in cotton analytics, Dr Terry Townsend, argued that the path forward lies in a dramatic acceleration of technology, particularly in seed science, to combat stagnant production and declining prices. The key is striking a delicate balance between fostering innovation and protecting the intellectual property (IP) that drives it, he said.

The Global Cotton Conference was organized by India’s Ministry of Textiles and CITI on October 7, 2025,

The new frontier of seed technology

Townsend highlighted a global trend toward conscious mechanization and advanced seed technology. He pointed to major cotton-producing countries like the United States, Brazil, and Australia, where farmers are increasingly planting seeds with multiple ‘stacked gene’ biotech traits. These traits are the product of significant research and development, essentially enabling cotton plants to achieve higher yields and effectively resist climate-related stresses, pests, and diseases, he explained.

For nations that do not permit biotech crops, scientists are developing a new subset of gene-bending technologies. These innovations help non-biotech nations adopt some of the desired traits through dedicated breeding processes, ensuring that innovation benefits the entire global market. This push for advancement is accelerating, fueled by breakthroughs in AI, GPS systems, and precision agriculture. These cutting-edge tools allow for the precise application of inputs like seeds and chemicals, maximizing efficiency in the field and critically boosting yields.

Townsend emphasized, this technological growth is a necessary response to a persistent global challenge: while world cotton production has held steady at around 25 million tons for two decades, real cotton prices have been on a continuous downward trend for over 50 years. This downward pressure on prices is unforgiving, meaning that businesses must become dramatically more productive simply to remain profitable.

The high cost of innovation and the IP imperative

While the benefits of technology are clear and desperately needed, Townsend was quick to point out a major hurdle: technology development is expensive. The research, development, and commercialization of a single seed variety can cost millions of dollars and take years of work. As a result, companies simply won't invest the required capital into new technologies if they aren't guaranteed a viable return on their investment.

This brings the issue of intellectual property (IP) protection to the absolute forefront. Townsend asserted that strong, enforceable IP laws are essential for creating an environment where technology developers feel secure enough to invest their resources. Without it, the flow of new, critical technologies to farmers will slow dramatically. This stagnation would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the industry to keep pace with global population demands and the increasing severity of environmental challenges. He noted clearly that countries with robust research systems and strong IP protection are the ones that will continue to grow and lead the industry into the future.

A sustainable future through technology

Beyond purely economic concerns, Townsend also touched on the critical role of technology in achieving sustainability. He noted, consumer and regulatory concerns about the environmental impact of cotton are growing steadily. He opines, technology is the critical mediator in making the world's cotton production more sustainable. The ability to use precision inputs and develop climate-resilient crops will not only secure better yields but also help the industry overcome the destructive extremes of climate change.