Cotton Productivity Mission Launched to Enhance Quality

Why in the news?

The Union Budget 2025 introduced the Cotton Productivity Mission, focusing on increasing cotton productivity and improving fibre quality through advanced processing, better infrastructure, and sustainable cultivation practices to boost India’s competitiveness in global cotton markets.

Cotton Productivity Mission Launched to Enhance Quality

Key Highlights:

  • The Union Budget 2025 introduced the Cotton Productivity Mission to enhance both cotton productivity and quality.
  • Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the mission’s role in boosting cotton production while ensuring superior fibre quality.

Focus Areas

  • Efforts will be made to enhance fibre processing technologies and develop infrastructure for sustainable natural fibre production.
  • The mission aims to modernize cotton production systems and improve value-chain efficiency.
  • Strategies include promoting research and adopting advanced cultivation techniques to meet market demands.

Strategic Importance

  • India is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton, making this mission crucial for economic growth.
  • The initiative aligns with the government’s goal to strengthen the agriculture sector and improve textile exports.
  • Enhancing fibre quality will help Indian cotton compete better in international markets.

Key Facts About Cotton Cultivation:

  • Accounts for 25% of global production, termed “White-Gold” due to its economic importance.
  • 67% rain-fed, requires hot, sunny climate and well-drained soils for optimal growth.
  • Grown in alluvial, black clayey, and mixed soils, sensitive to waterlogging.
  • Hybrid Cotton: Crossed strains with unique genetics; Bt Cotton: Genetically modified pest-resistant variety.
  • India: Largest global producer; Central Zone (Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP) leads production.

Government Initiatives:

  • Cotton Development Programme (NFSM) to enhance productivity.
  • CCI: Price stabilization and MSP operations.
  • Cott-Ally App: Farmer support.

This mission reflects the government’s proactive approach toward agricultural modernization, focusing on sustainability and global competitiveness in cotton production.