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Cotton Productivity Mission: Proper Implementation, Better Results

Cotton Productivity Mission: The Key to Success Lies in Effective ImplementationIndia’s ₹5,659 crore Cotton Productivity Mission has been launched at a time when the country’s cotton economy is grappling with severe agricultural and industrial challenges. Steadily declining yields, rising pest infestations, and shrinking acreage have weakened a crop that was once considered the backbone of rural income and India’s textile industry. In this context, this initiative by the Centre is not merely a plan to boost production, but also an endeavor to restore the confidence of farmers who have gradually drifted away from cotton cultivation. For states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, this mission holds particular significance.In the Malwa region of Punjab, cotton was once a reliable cash crop. However, recurrent attacks by whiteflies and pink bollworms, weather uncertainties, and rising cultivation costs have driven farmers back toward paddy cultivation—a practice that is already exacerbating the groundwater crisis. The shrinking acreage under cotton in North India clearly reflects the fact that farmers today are struggling amidst environmental instability and economic insecurity.The mission’s emphasis on climate-resilient seed varieties, high-density planting techniques, modern ginning infrastructure, and extra-long staple cotton is undoubtedly a positive step. If India aspires to become a leader in the global textile industry, it must reduce its dependence on premium-quality imported cotton. The comprehensive strategy—spanning "Farm to Fibre, Fashion, and Foreign Markets"—acknowledges the fact that agriculture and manufacturing are deeply intertwined.However, the true success of this mission will hinge upon its effective implementation at the grassroots level. Farmers require timely access to quality seeds, affordable credit, scientific pest management, and a crop insurance mechanism that offers genuine protection rather than getting bogged down in bureaucratic formalities. If farmers are to be drawn back to cotton cultivation, restoring trust in the procurement mechanism will be equally essential. In states grappling with water crises—such as Punjab and Haryana—the resurgence of cotton cultivation could prove instrumental in reducing dependence on paddy and conserving groundwater. However, if this mission, too, remains confined to mere paper plans and sluggish coordination, the country will once again find itself trapped in the very cycle of despair that previously compelled farmers to abandon cotton farming.read more :- Tamil Nadu: Farmers Concerned Over Continuous Rain in Nagapattinam District

Tamil Nadu: Farmers Concerned Over Continuous Rain in Nagapattinam District

Continuous Rains in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, Heighten Concerns for Cotton FarmersContinuous summer rains over the past three days in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, have adversely affected cotton cultivation in several areas of the Thirumarugal block. With rainwater inundating their fields, farmers are increasingly apprehensive about potential crop damage.According to reports, incessant rain has been falling since midnight in Thirumarugal, Alathur, Eravancheri, Marungur, Neikuppai, Thirukannapuram, Ambal, Polagam, and surrounding regions. Heavy summer showers have been recorded across various parts of the district over the last three days.Farmers in the Thirumarugal block had undertaken extensive cotton sowing as a summer crop. The crop is currently in the crucial flowering and boll formation stage. However, many farmers have not yet been able to complete the task of earthing up (mounding soil around the plants) in their fields. Due to the continuous rainfall, water has accumulated in numerous fields, thereby hindering the growth of the cotton plants.Cotton farmer R. Shiva stated, "Due to the rains, the flowers on the cotton plants are shedding, which could lead to a drastic decline in yield."Another farmer, P. Kathir, warned that if water remains stagnant in the fields for an extended period, the plant roots could rot, potentially causing severe financial losses for the farmers. He further cautioned that the extent of the damage could escalate if the rains persist in this manner.read more :- CCI Hikes Cotton Candy Price by ₹4,100; Auction Crosses 5.85 Lakh Bales

Government Cracks Down on BT Cotton Seed Sales; Waiting Before Sowing Is Mandatory!

Important Update for Cotton Farmers: Government Tightens Grip on Sale and Sowing of Bt Seeds—Wait Required for Now!Jalgaon: In view of the upcoming 2026 Kharif season, the Maharashtra government has taken stringent measures to curb the growing threat of the Pink Bollworm in cotton crops. The State Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries has issued directives implementing a new schedule regarding the sale, supply, and sowing of Bt cotton seeds.According to a government circular issued on May 8, 2026, all agricultural agencies and officials across the state have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these regulations. The directives, sent by the Ministry to the office of the Agriculture Commissioner (Pune), clearly state that premature sowing of cotton fosters Pink Bollworm outbreaks, thereby having a severe adverse impact on crop production.The government maintains that early sowing creates an environment conducive to the pest's life cycle, potentially leading to massive crop damage. Over the past few years, farmers in several major cotton-producing districts of the state—including Jalgaon—have suffered extensive losses due to the Pink Bollworm infestation. Drawing upon this experience, the government has significantly heightened its vigilance this time around.The government order appeals to farmers to undertake cotton sowing only during the specific period recommended by the Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, district and taluka-level agricultural officials have been directed to conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the importance of using certified and authorized Bt seeds.Additionally, the administration has been instructed to monitor the sale of illegal and unauthorized seeds and to take punitive action against those found violating the regulations.read more :- Rupee Opens at 94.88 Down 40 Paise

Demand to completely eliminate import duty on cotton intensifies.

‘Demand to Completely Remove Import Duty on Cotton’A new study released by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) calls for the complete elimination of the 11% import duty currently levied on cotton.Titled "Economic Analysis of Cotton Supply, Pricing, and Trade Policy in India," the report states that the import duty is adversely affecting the competitiveness of the country's textile and garment sectors. According to the report, it is crucial for the industry to have easy and reliable access to imported cotton during periods when domestic production is low.The study, jointly prepared by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Gherzi, notes that the import duty on cotton was temporarily suspended from August to December 2025 but was subsequently reimposed effective January 1, 2026.The report points out that since the duty was first implemented in 2021, temporary relief has been granted twice; however, the industry is now demanding its permanent removal. The industry argues that India's key competitor nations—Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan—do not impose such restrictions on cotton imports.The study also suggests establishing a Strategic Reserve for cotton, modeled after China's approach. According to the report, textile and apparel exports declined by 2.2% in the fiscal year 2025-26, falling to $35.79 billion.Speaking at a media briefing held in Coimbatore on Thursday, CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran stated that the Gherzi-ICAC report presents a practical and detailed roadmap for the textile and apparel industry to achieve its target of $350 billion by 2030.Meanwhile, K. Selvaraju, Secretary General of the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA), noted that the area under cotton cultivation has shrunk by approximately 20% over the past three years, and productivity levels in India remain significantly low. He stated that to achieve the 2030 target, the industry would need to grow at an annual rate of approximately 15%. However, under current circumstances, this appears to be a challenging task.He also noted that freight and logistics costs have risen due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Furthermore, shortages of gas, along with rising prices of oil-based raw materials, dyes, and chemicals, have placed additional pressure on the textile and garment industry.read more :- The Rupee higher by 10 paise to close at 94.48 per dollar.

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