Cotton sector gets ₹5,659 crore boost, 32 lakh farmers to benefit

Why in News

The Union Cabinet on 5 May 2026 approved a ₹5,659.22 crore Mission for Cotton Productivity (2026–31) to address stagnation in yield, improve quality, and enhance global competitiveness of India’s cotton sector. 

About the Mission

The mission aims to strengthen the entire cotton value chain in line with the government’s “5F vision” (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign) by improving productivity, quality, and exports. 

Key Features

• Focus Areas:
  • Development of high-yielding, climate-resilient and pest-resistant seeds
  • Promotion of modern techniques like High Density Planting System (HDPS)
  • Emphasis on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton production
• Processing & Quality:
  • Modernisation of ~2,000 ginning and processing units
  • Strengthening of cotton testing infrastructure with standardised labs
• Branding & Traceability: Scaling up Kasturi Cotton Bharat for traceability, certification, and branding
• Diversification: Promotion of alternative fibres such as flax, ramie, bamboo, banana, sisal, and milkweed.

Implementation

• Jointly implemented by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Textiles.
• Supported by: Indian Council of Agricultural Research & Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
• Coverage: 140 districts across 14 major cotton-growing states. Expected beneficiaries: ~32 lakh farmers.

Targets

• Cotton production: 498 lakh bales by 2030–31
• Productivity increase: 440 kg/ha → 755 kg/ha

About Cotton in India

• Known as “White Gold” due to economic importance
• India accounts for ~20% of global cotton production
• Largest cotton acreage globally (~37% of world area)
• Around 67% rain-fed cultivation
• India grows all four species:
  • G. arboreum and G. herbaceum (Asian)
  • G. barbadense (Egyptian)
  • G. hirsutum (American, dominant hybrid).

Institutional Support

• Cotton Corporation of India (CCI): Nodal agency for MSP procurement of cotton

Bt Cotton

• Only GM crop approved in India (since 2002)
• Covers over 90% of cotton area
• Example: Bollgard technology for pest resistance
• Major pest: Pink bollworm.

Source: PIB