Gujarat has emerged as the top cotton-producing state in India for the 2023-24 crop year, according to data presented by the Central Government. The state recorded an impressive production of 90.57 lakh bales of cotton, outpacing other major producers such as Maharashtra and Telangana. India’s total cotton production for the same period is estimated at 325.22 lakh bales.
Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, provided these figures in response to a query by Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani during the ongoing winter session. Margherita stated, “The details of total production and export of cotton in major cotton-growing states, including Gujarat, during the last three years, is at Annexure-I.”
To bolster textile exports, the Central Government is implementing the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for apparel, garments, and made-ups. Products not covered under RoSCTL are supported by the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. Financial assistance is also extended to Export Promotion Councils and trade bodies to organise and participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meetings.
The Ministry of Textiles is further supporting the organisation of a Mega Textile Show, BHARAT TEX 2025, in February 2025. This event aims to showcase the strength of India’s textile value chain, highlighting innovations and trends while positioning the country as a preferred destination for sourcing and investment in the sector.
Additionally, India’s trade agreements play a crucial role in expanding market access. The country has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and six Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with key trading partners to facilitate smoother market entry for its integrated cotton textile value chain.
A significant milestone for the Indian cotton industry is the development of Kasturi Cotton Bharat, a premium brand of Indian cotton available in 29 mm and 30 mm long-staple varieties. This initiative, launched under a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Textiles and the industry, emphasises standardisation, certification, and traceability. As of October 30, 2024, 47,600 bales have been certified under the Kasturi Cotton label. The initiative has gained international recognition, with Kasturi Cotton prominently showcased at global fashion expos.
The government also highlighted advancements in cotton research and technology spearheaded by the ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Cotton, the institute has released 333 cotton varieties over the past decade, including 191 non-Bt and 142 Bt cotton varieties.
Other key initiatives by ICAR-CICR include:
- Voluntary Carbon Market Project to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Genome Editing and Transgenic Research for improved cotton varieties.
- High-Density Planting System (HDPS) Technology for higher yield.
- Breeding for resistance to pests and diseases.
- Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to enhance cotton production and sustainability.
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