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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

Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Gain Momentum Amid Global ConflictRajkot/Ahmedabad: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global supply chains and fuel supplies, placing increased pressure on numerous factories across India. However, for the cotton yarn industry, this situation appears to be transforming into an opportunity, as demand from China has surged rapidly.India, the world's second-largest cotton producer, has emerged as a key supplier to China. The war has disrupted trade routes and caused delays in cotton shipments from the U.S. and Brazil, compelling China to seek alternative sources. Consequently, yarn imports from India have risen. Furthermore, with the Rupee depreciating by approximately 7% against the Yuan, Indian products have become more affordable for Chinese buyers.(sis)According to Ripal Patel, Managing Director of Fiortex Cotspin—a spinning mill based in Gujarat—the company's export order book has witnessed a 40% increase, and production has now reached 100% capacity. Orders extending through June have already been booked.According to industry experts, since November, India has been shipping approximately 1,500 containers of cotton yarn to China every month—up from a previous volume of 300 containers—marking a fivefold increase. The impact on polyester supplies has further bolstered the demand for cotton.(sis)However, while mills in Gujarat are benefiting from a geographical advantage, units in Tamil Nadu are facing competitive challenges due to higher transportation costs.Read More :- Cotton Prices Rise Over 8.5% in April Amid Lower Production Outlook