Relief to textile industry: Consideration of reduction in cotton import dutyNew Delhi: The central government is considering measures to provide relief to the domestic textile industry amid supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In this sequence, a proposal to reduce or completely abolish customs duty on import of raw cotton is under discussion.India's textile industry is mainly dependent on domestic cotton, but imports from the US, Egypt, Australia and to some extent Brazil to meet the need of long staple cotton. According to Bipin Menon, Trade Advisor to the Textiles Ministry, discussions are ongoing with the Agriculture Ministry and the Revenue Department on this issue.The ministry also proposes to remove 2.5% import duty on rayon-grade wood pulp used in the production of viscose staple fiber (VSF) and filament yarn. This pulp is highly purified cellulose obtained from wood, which is an important raw material in the manufacture of man-made fibres. However, Menon clarified that the challenges faced in its supply are not directly related to the conflict in West Asia, so a decision on this can be taken later.Currently, 5% customs duty is applicable on raw cotton, which was temporarily removed between August to December 2025. The government is now considering giving relief again in view of the current situation of the industry.Due to weakness in global demand, India's readymade garment exports are likely to decline to $15.77 billion in fiscal year 2026. In such a situation, experts believe that reduction in duty will reduce the cost of raw materials, improve dividends and increase export competitiveness.The move could prove crucial for the textile sector, which contributes 8–10% of the country's total exports, especially as the government aims to take exports to $100 billion by 2030.read more :- Cotton Duty Cut Dispute: Concerns Over Farmers' Interests
Trade Divided Over Cotton Duty Cut; Risks Identified for Farmers: CCIDifferences regarding a reduction in cotton import duties appear to be deepening. While millers and the textile industry are demanding a duty cut in light of rising domestic prices, a section of the trading community has termed this a risky move for farmers.Currently, an import duty of approximately 11% is applicable on cotton in India, effective since January 1, 2026. Although the government and the industry are considering a reduction in this duty due to a sharp surge in prices, many traders remain opposed to the idea. They believe that lowering the duty at this juncture could adversely affect the interests of farmers.According to traders, many farmers are currently withholding their produce in the hope of securing better prices—a stock estimated to amount to approximately 4 million bales (one bale = 170 kilograms). Under these circumstances, if imports become cheaper, it would exert downward pressure on prices in the domestic market, potentially causing financial losses for farmers.A senior trader warned that on the previous occasion when import duties were reduced, nearly 3 million bales of cotton were imported within a span of just three months. Consequently, domestic demand began to be met through imports, forcing farmers to sell their crops below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).Experts believe that if the duty is reduced under the current circumstances as well, a similar situation could recur—particularly for those farmers who have held back their produce in anticipation of better prices.read more :- The rupee opened at 94.74 down 20 paise.
The rupee opened at 94.74/USD a decline of 20 paise.On Wednesday, the Indian rupee opened at 94.74 against the dollar a decline of 20 paise whereas it had closed at 94.54 on Tuesday.Read more:- The rupee slipped 17 paise to end at 94.54 per dollar.
The Indian rupee weakened by 17 paise to close at 94.54 per US dollar on Tuesday, compared with its opening level of 94.37 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 416.72 points or 0.54 percent at 76,886.91, and the Nifty was down 97 points or 0.40 percent at 23,995.70. About 1923 shares advanced, 2157 shares declined, and 157 shares unchanged.read more :- New Opportunities for Development and Investment in the Textile Industry at VGRC Surat
New opportunities for development and investment of textile industry in VGRC SuratAccording to the Gujarat government, the 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC)' to be organized at Auro University in Surat on May 1 and 2 will give a new direction to the industrial development of South Gujarat. The conference specifically focuses on increasing investment in the textile industry, connecting global buyers and local manufacturers and promoting exchange of new technologies and innovations.Located on the banks of the Tapi River, Surat has historically been a major trading centre. It was famous for silk trade in the 16th century and today it is known as the world's leading 'Silk City' and India's largest man-made fiber (MMF) hub. According to the state government, Surat produces about 90% of India's artificial silk and has a 65% share in the country's MMF sector.The industry contributes significantly to the state's economy with an annual turnover of approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore and 18–20 lakh employment opportunities. Crores of meters of cloth are produced every day in Surat and are exported from here all over the world.VGRC is expected to increase FDI, strengthen technical cooperation and further empower Surat as a global textile hub.read more :- CCI Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹600–₹1,000; Auction Sales Cross 3.92 Lakh Bales
CCI Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹600- ₹1000 per Candy; Weekly Auction Sales Cross 3.92 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by ₹600- ₹1000 per candy during previous week from April 20 to April 24, 2026, the auctions witnessed participation from mills and cotton traders, resulting in robust weekly sales of about 3,92,700 bales from the 2025–26 season.Day-wise Auction HighlightsApril 20, (Monday):The week began on a strong note, recording the highest single-day sale of 1,49,100 bales. Traders dominated purchases with 93,200 bales, while mills bought 55,900 bales.April 21, (Wednesday):Sales moderated to 91,000 bales. Mills purchased 35,300 bales, while traders accounted for 55,700 bales.April 22, (Thursday):Auction activity picked up again, with the sales of 1,08,100 bales. Mills purchased 27,000 bales, and traders bought 81,100 bales.April 23, (Thursday):A total of 23,400 bales were reported sold during the day. Mills purchased 14,600 bales while traders bought 8,800 bales.April 24, (Friday):The week concluded with sales of 21,100 bales. Mills purchased 10,100 bales, while traders bought 11,000 bales.Cumulative Sales Update:2025–26 Season: 57,59,000 bales
33% subsidy issued on BT and desi cotton seeds in Punjab, big support to farmersBATHINDA: The Punjab government has decided to continue 33% subsidy on certified Bt cotton hybrids and indigenous cotton seed varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. The scheme was launched in 2025 and focuses on encouraging farmers to adopt better quality seeds.The government will bear about one-third of the seed cost for farmers choosing any one of the 87 approved Bt cotton hybrids and four indigenous varieties—LD1019, LD949, FDK124 and PBD88. After eligibility verification, this subsidy will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of the farmers.A significant increase was recorded in the area of cotton in the last Kharif season. While this area was 1 lakh hectare in 2024, it increased by 19% to 1.19 lakh hectare in 2025. For the upcoming season, the government has set a target of cotton cultivation in 1.25 lakh hectares.The online application portal to avail subsidy has started from April 20. The time till May 15 is considered suitable for sowing cotton.State agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the combination of PAU-approved BT hybrids and indigenous cotton varieties would help the state revive its traditional cotton belt. He has directed the officials to run a massive awareness campaign and ensure easy access to the digital platform to every eligible farmer, so that no farmer is left out of the scheme due to information or technical barriers.He has also appealed to the farmers to apply on the portal in time and take maximum benefit of this scheme.read more :- The rupee opened at 94.37 down 18 paise.
The rupee opened at 94.37/USD a decline of 18 paise.On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened at 94.37 against the dollar a decline of 18 paise whereas it had closed at 94.19 on Monday.Read more:- India-New Zealand FTA to boost textile exports
India-New Zealand FTA will give a boost to textile exports, the target of $350 billion by 2030 will gain momentumAccording to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI), the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand can give a new impetus to Indian textile exports and strengthen the target of growing the sector to US$ 350 billion by 2030.CITI believes that this FTA will help Indian exporters reduce dependence on select markets and move up the value chain. Under the agreement, Indian textiles are likely to get duty-free access to the New Zealand market, which will increase competitiveness.Citing data from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CITI said "made-up textile articles" were the fourth largest category of imports from India into New Zealand in the year ending December 2025. During this period, the import of Indian textile products was approximately 80.22 million New Zealand dollars.CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran said that this FTA has brought positive opportunities for Indian exporters amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. According to him, New Zealand, being a high-income and quality-sensitive market, can strengthen global recognition of the quality and pricing of Indian products.CITI also highlighted that sectors such as sustainable textiles, home textiles and technical textiles have particular growth potential in New Zealand. Also, New Zealand's position as a major exporter of high quality wool can help Indian companies in providing better raw materials and manufacturing high quality garments.India's textile and apparel sector is the country's second largest employer and contributes significantly to GDP and exports. The industry aims to reach a total size of $350 billion by 2030, of which $100 billion is targeted to be achieved through exports.read more :- The rupee closed 06 paisa higher against the dollar at 94.19
The Indian rupee opened at 94.25 per US dollar on Monday and appreciated by 6 paise to settle at 94.19 by the close.At close, the Sensex was up 639.42 points or 0.83 percent at 77,303.63, and the Nifty was up 194.75 points or 0.81 percent at 24,092.70. About 2953 shares advanced, 1225 shares declined, and 177 shares unchanged.read more :- Early sowing will increase cotton yield: Expert advice
Early sowing will increase cotton yield, expert's advice to farmersCharkhi Dadri. This time, timely sowing is considered very important for the farmers cultivating cotton in the district. Dr. Chandrabhan Sheoran, senior subject expert of the Agriculture Department, has advised the farmers that more and better quality yield can be achieved by early sowing of cotton.He said that timely sowing plays an important role in the success of any crop, especially a cash crop like cotton. In the last few years, cotton has emerged as the major Kharif season crop in Charkhi Dadri district, which not only increases the income of the farmers but also creates the economic base for Rabi crops.According to Dr. Sheoran, most of the land in the district is sandy and semi-sandy, which is considered suitable for cotton cultivation. There are similar conditions in other areas of South Haryana, where early sowing proves more profitable for the farmers. He appealed to the farmers to start sowing cotton in the month of April itself. If there is a delay due to any reason, then by all means complete the sowing by May 10, so that the crop can get full benefit of favorable weather.He also informed that currently Bt cotton is being cultivated widely and many varieties approved by the government are suitable for the region. Prominent among them are Ajit 133-2, Ajit 33-2, Ankur 3244, Ankur 3228, Nujividu 9002, Nujividu 9024, Rasi 773, Rasi 776, Rasi 791, Rasi 605 and Rasi 650.read more :- Rupee opens steady at 94.25.
The Rupee opened steady at 94.25 against the Dollar.On Monday, the Indian Rupee opened at 94.25 against the Dollar, whereas it had closed at 94.25 on Friday.READ MORE :- State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Report – 2025–26 Season Overvie
State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by upto ₹600-₹1,000 per candy during this week . CCI has sold approximately 57,59,000 cotton bales for the 2025-26 season. Sales are highly concentrated in a few major cotton-producing states, Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat emerging as the leading contributors.
Maximum selling price declared for BT cotton seedsThe central government has fixed the maximum selling price of Bt cotton seeds for the 2026-27 season. This decision has been taken on the basis of the recommendations of an expert committee.The government has used its powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Cotton Seed Prices (Control) Order, 2015 to control the prices of seeds.This pricing will be applicable on standard seed packet of 475 grams, which contains 5-10% non-Bt seeds (refugia). The purpose of refugia is to slow the development of resistance in pests and maintain the effectiveness of crops over a longer period of time.Through this step, the government is trying to balance the prices of seeds, ensure access to farmers and maintain monitoring on the use of biotechnology.read more :- Agri-input dealers strike in Maharashtra on 27th April
Agri-input dealers in Maharashtra have announced a strike for April 27.The Maharashtra Fertilizers, Pesticides and Seeds Dealers Association (MAFDA) and the All India Dealer Association (AIDA) have declared a one-day statewide shutdown. The organizations have warned that if their demands are not addressed, they may even resort to an indefinite strike.Dealers and manufacturers argue that the increased surveillance and regulations being imposed by the government could make it difficult to conduct business. According to Vineet Kasliwal, General Secretary of the association, a new government resolution (GR) has designated 23 different levels of officials as Quality Control Inspectors, who will be responsible for inspecting agri-input units.A senior industry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the increased number of inspectors would lead to frequent sampling at both the company and dealer levels, which could adversely affect the 'Ease of Doing Business.' He suggested that instead of increasing physical inspections, the focus should be on strengthening laboratory testing, digital traceability, and audit systems.Vijay Thakur, President of the Organic Agro Manufacturers Association (OAMA), described this as a collective step taken to safeguard the dignity of agri-entrepreneurs.It is reported that approximately 85,000 agri-input shops across the state have extended their support to this strike.Dr. Suhas Buddhe, a representative of the agri-input industry, stated that there is a need for a balanced, transparent, and fair regulatory framework that takes into account the interests of both the farmers and the stability of the industry.read more :- Odisha approves ₹124 crore cotton-to-yarn unit
Odisha Approves ₹124 Crore Unit to Strengthen Cotton-to-Yarn IntegrationTaking a significant step toward strengthening the textile value chain within the state, the Odisha government has approved an investment of ₹124 crore (approximately US$ 13.17 million) for the establishment of a yarn manufacturing unit in the Balangir district. This project will be developed by Shri Ambika Cotspin Private Limited, a 27-year-old textile company.According to experts, this new unit will help better integrate the processes ranging from cotton ginning to yarn production within the state. Currently, despite rising cotton production in several districts, a significant portion of raw cotton is shipped outside the state due to a lack of adequate downstream processing infrastructure.Odisha's Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, stated that this project will bolster the state's 'Farm-to-Fabric' strategy and ensure that the value generated from locally produced cotton remains within the state's economy.The trend of investment in the state's textile sector is steadily accelerating, with several major companies establishing their projects across various districts. For instance, the Epic Group plans to set up a sustainable manufacturing unit in Khordha with an investment of ₹220 crore (US$ 23.37 million), while MAS Holdings is investing approximately US$ 140 million in Bhuinpur.Furthermore, Hindalco Industries has announced plans to set up a unit worth ₹100 crore (US$ 10.62 million) in Keonjhar. Meanwhile, Sonaselection India Limited is also establishing a garment manufacturing unit in Khordha with an investment of ₹130 crore (US$ 13.81 million), which will be linked to Khordha Alphatex Private Limited's technical textile project worth ₹180 crore (US$ 19.12 million).In addition to these projects, more than 33 textile and apparel companies—including Page Industries, KPR Mills, Technosport, First Step Baby Wear, Sportking, Adarsh Knitwear, Anubhav Apparels, and Trimetro Garments India Private Limited—have committed to investing in Odisha.read more :- Surge in Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Amidst War
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Consideration of Cotton Import Duty Cut: Relief for the Textile Industry | 29-04-2026 11:39:15 | view |
| Cotton Duty Cut Dispute: Concerns Over Farmers' Interests | 29-04-2026 11:19:23 | view |
| The rupee opened at 94.74 down 20 paise. | 29-04-2026 09:19:43 | view |
| The rupee slipped 17 paise to end at 94.54 per dollar. | 28-04-2026 15:41:19 | view |
| New Opportunities for Development and Investment in the Textile Industry at VGRC Surat | 28-04-2026 12:18:46 | view |
| CCI Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹600–₹1,000; Auction Sales Cross 3.92 Lakh Bales | 28-04-2026 11:36:54 | view |
| 33% Subsidy on Cotton Seeds in Punjab: Relief for Farmers | 28-04-2026 11:22:00 | view |
| The rupee opened at 94.37 down 18 paise. | 28-04-2026 09:24:43 | view |
| India-New Zealand FTA to boost textile exports | 27-04-2026 16:19:49 | view |
| The rupee closed 06 paisa higher against the dollar at 94.19 | 27-04-2026 15:42:30 | view |
| Early sowing will increase cotton yield: Expert advice | 27-04-2026 15:05:23 | view |
| Rupee opens steady at 94.25. | 27-04-2026 11:01:16 | view |
| State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Report – 2025–26 Season Overvie | 25-04-2026 15:31:55 | view |
| Maximum Price Fixed for BT Cotton Seeds | 25-04-2026 12:54:02 | view |
| Agri-input dealers strike in Maharashtra on 27th April | 25-04-2026 12:19:54 | view |
| Odisha approves ₹124 crore cotton-to-yarn unit | 25-04-2026 12:03:18 | view |
