In a major move to strengthen India’s agriculture and textile sectors, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Cotton Productivity Mission with a total budget of Rs. 5,659.22 crore. The mission will run for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The initiative aims to improve cotton production, support farmers, and help India become more competitive in the global textile industry.
A Sector in Crisis and a Government Responding
India is one of the world’s largest cotton producers, contributing more than 21% of global cotton production. Cotton is grown across more than 11.447 million hectares in the country. However, the sector continues to face several serious challenges.
Farmers are dealing with low productivity, heavy dependence on rain-fed farming, pink bollworm attacks, climate-related risks, poor soil quality, and weak crop management practices. There is also a growing gap between domestic demand and cotton supply. Limited access to quality seeds and regional differences in farming conditions have further increased pressure on cotton farmers.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the cotton sector urgently needed a “comprehensive, organised, and scientific intervention.” The newly approved mission is designed to address these issues.
The 5F Vision: From Farm to Foreign Markets
The mission is based on the government’s 5F Vision — Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.
This strategy focuses on improving every stage of the cotton value chain, from farming and processing to textile manufacturing and exports. The goal is to create a strong and sustainable system that benefits farmers, supports the textile industry, and increases India’s position in global markets.
The mission is not only an agricultural programme but also part of a larger economic strategy for the country.
What the Mission Entails
The Mission for Cotton Productivity includes six major focus areas:
- Seed Innovation and Climate-Resilient Varieties: Under the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), Rs. 555.05 crore has been allocated for research and development. The government plans to develop 24 new high-yield and climate-resilient cotton varieties and hybrids. These varieties will focus on pest resistance, better fibre quality, improved ginning percentage, and region-specific extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. Modern technologies such as genome editing and transgenic research will also be used.
- Large-Scale Technology Extension: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) will spend Rs. 3,804.17 crore to expand modern farming technologies at the ground level. This includes the High Density Planting System (HDPS), narrow-spacing farming, closer planting methods, and Integrated Cotton Management practices. These techniques are expected to improve cotton yield significantly.
- Quality Improvement and Ginning Modernisation: The mission also focuses on improving cotton quality and processing standards. Training and capacity-building programmes will be introduced for 2,000 ginning and processing factories. The aim is to modernise operations and encourage better industry practices. The government will also strengthen cotton testing infrastructure to meet international standards and reduce contamination levels to below 2%.
- Kasturi Cotton Bharat – Branding and Traceability: The mission will promote the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand as a premium and sustainable Indian cotton product. Traceability and certification systems will be introduced to help global buyers verify the quality, origin, and ethical sourcing of Indian cotton. This is expected to improve trust in Indian cotton in international markets.
- Digital Empowerment of Farmers: The government plans to digitally connect agricultural market yards (mandis) to improve transparency and market access for farmers. Through digital platforms, farmers will be able to access better price information, sell more directly, and reduce dependence on middlemen.
- Sustainable Fibres and Circular Economy: The mission also promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility. It encourages cotton waste recycling and circular economy practices. In addition, natural fibres such as flax, ramie, sisal, milkweed, bamboo, and banana fibres will be integrated into India’s textile ecosystem. This move is aimed at aligning India’s textile sector with global sustainability trends.
Ambitious Targets, Measurable Impact
The mission has set several clear targets for 2031:
- Cotton productivity is expected to rise from 440 kg per hectare to 755 kg per hectare.
- Total cotton production is projected to increase from 297 lakh bales to 498 lakh bales.
- Around 32 lakh farmers across 140 districts in 14 states are expected to benefit directly.
- Nearly 24 lakh hectares will be covered in the initial phase.
The programme will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Textiles. It will also involve 10 ICAR institutes, one CSIR institute, and 10 All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) centres across major cotton-producing states.
A Step Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the mission is focused on improving farmer incomes and supporting India’s goal of self-reliance.
A stronger cotton sector can provide stable income for millions of farmers, ensure a reliable raw material supply for the textile industry, and improve India’s export potential.
The Union Cabinet also approved an agreement with member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on safe agricultural trade and phytosanitary cooperation. This agreement is expected to support agricultural exports and reduce pest-related trade risks.
The Road Ahead
The Mission for Cotton Productivity comes at an important time for India’s textile industry. Global supply chains are changing, and sustainability is becoming increasingly important for international buyers.
With an investment of Rs. 5,659.22 crore, a scientific roadmap, and support from both central and state governments, India’s cotton sector could see a major transformation in the coming years.
According to Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the mission will help improve cotton production while building India’s reputation for quality, reliability, and trust in global markets.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare & PIB
