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96 companies approved in Round III of the Textile PLI Scheme, investment expected at ₹12,822 croreThe Central Government has approved 22 new applicants under the third round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the textile sector. This brings the total number of companies approved under Round III to 96.According to the Ministry of Textiles, the newly approved projects are expected to generate investments of ₹2,339.14 crore, an estimated turnover of ₹15,561.34 crore in notified products, and create over 36,000 employment opportunities across the textile value chain.With the latest approvals, the total committed investment under the third round of the PLI scheme has reached ₹12,822.67 crore. The approved projects are expected to generate an estimated turnover of ₹58,294.18 crore.The approved applicants are primarily from key sectors such as man-made fiber (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textiles. The government has prioritized these sectors to enhance India's value-added textile manufacturing capacity and strengthen its competitive position in the global market.The Ministry states that these approvals reflect the industry's growing interest in emerging textile segments. The proposed projects are expected to drive production capacity expansion, technological upgradation, and the development of an integrated textile manufacturing ecosystem.The government launched the Textile PLI Scheme with the aim of attracting large-scale investment in the man-made fiber and technical textile sectors. These sectors are considered crucial for increasing India's share in the global textile and apparel market.According to the Ministry, the approved investments will play a key role in accelerating manufacturing growth, promoting employment generation, and strengthening domestic production capacity in line with the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Also, the new production capacities will help make India a more competitive textile hub globally.READ MORE :- Government Withdraws Cotton Bales QCO

Cotton Bales QCO Revoked; Relief for Ginning Industry.The Central Government has withdrawn the Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order (QCO), 2023, with immediate effect. A notification issued by the Ministry of Textiles has brought an end to the quality control regime that had been in the works for three years but could never be implemented due to industry opposition and practical challenges.The Cotton Bales QCO was originally notified on February 28, 2023, under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. It mandated BIS certification—in accordance with Indian Standard IS 12171:2019—for all cotton bales sold in the domestic market. However, cotton bales intended for export and products manufactured to meet the specific requirements of foreign buyers were exempted from this rule.The government had initially granted the industry a 180-day transition period before the QCO came into force. However, the effective date was repeatedly postponed due to persistent concerns raised by the ginning industry. Under a notification issued in July 2025, the deadline had been extended from August 27, 2025, to August 27, 2026; the order's implementation had been deferred on previous occasions as well.Industry bodies, particularly the Cotton Association of India (CAI), argued that ginning units would need to make massive investments in modern machinery and quality control systems to comply with BIS standards. Most ginning units fall under the MSME category, and adopting these standards within the stipulated timeframe was difficult due to their limited resources. The industry maintained that extensive technical upgrades would be required to meet standards regarding moisture, impurities, and trash content.While the government extended the deadline several times in light of these objections, it ultimately decided to revoke the order entirely. The ministry's latest notification does not provide a detailed account of the reasons for the cancellation. It merely states that the decision was taken in the public interest following consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards.read more :- Rupee Gains 38 Paise, Opens at 95.38 Against Dollar

The rupee opened 38 paise higher at 95.38 USD.The Indian rupee opened 38 paise higher at 95.38 against the dollar on Friday. While on Thursday it closed at 95.76.READ MORE :- The rupee ended 19 paise lower at 95.76 against the dollar.

On Thursday the Indian Rupee lower by 19 paise to close at 95.76 against the US dollar, after opening at 95.57 in morning trade.At close, the Sensex was down 150.63 points or 0.20 percent at 73,832.55, and the Nifty was down 53.35 points or 0.23 percent at 23,161.60. About 1325 shares advanced, 2681 shares declined, and 187 shares unchanged.read more :- Cotton Mandi Fee Cut to 0.5% in Madhya Pradesh; Boost for Ginning Mills and Tribal Employment

Cotton Mandi Fee Halved: Relief for Ginning Mills; Employment Opportunities to Rise in Tribal AreasThe Madhya Pradesh government has decided to reduce the mandi fee (market fee) on cotton from 1 percent to 0.5 percent. This decision, taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, is expected to directly benefit around nine ginning mills in the Manawar, Gandhwani, Singhana, and Bakaner regions. Additionally, it will create new employment opportunities in tribal-dominated areas.Boost to Local IndustryAccording to Pawan Kushwaha, Factory Manager at Biosustain Fibers in Manawar, the reduction in the mandi fee will strengthen the local ginning industry. Previously, a large portion of the region's raw cotton was purchased by traders from neighboring states—particularly Gujarat—leaving local mills without adequate raw material. The Ginners' Association had long been demanding a cut in the mandi fee.Earlier, the government levied a mandi fee of one rupee per hundred rupees on cotton. With the fee reduction, the outflow of raw cotton from Madhya Pradesh to Gujarat and Maharashtra is likely to decrease. Conversely, cotton from the border areas of Maharashtra may now reach ginning units in Madhya Pradesh.Boost to Employment and InvestmentLast year, cotton arrivals recorded were approximately 25,000 bales in Manawar, 7,500 bales in Bakaner, and around 40,000 bales in Singhana. Industry stakeholders believe that the new arrangement could see the return of some industries that had previously moved out of the state, potentially creating jobs for thousands of people.This move could also prove helpful in curbing the migration of laborers from tribal development blocks like Manawar, Gandhwani, and Umarban to Maharashtra and Gujarat.Benefits for FarmersExperts believe that cotton-producing farmers could receive an additional ₹40 to ₹50 per quintal in local *mandis*. As traders save on transportation and tax-related costs, a portion of that benefit is likely to reach the farmers. This could also provide an incentive for increased cotton production. Increase in General Mandi FeeIn the interest of farmers, the Council of Ministers has also decided to increase the general mandi fee from ₹1.00 to ₹1.50 per hundred. The additional revenue generated will be utilized for development works related to the 'Kisan Sadak Nidhi' (Farmers' Road Fund) and agricultural research, thereby helping to further strengthen agricultural infrastructure.READ MORE :- India Rejects US Overcapacity Claims on Textile and Steel Sectors

India Rejects Allegations of Overcapacity in Textile and Steel Sectors During US 'Section 301' ProbeIndia has dismissed allegations raised during the US Trade Representative's (USTR) 'Section 301' investigation, which claimed that the country's textile and steel sectors possess excessive production capacity (overcapacity).According to Reuters, Additional Secretary (Trade) Amitabh Kumar stated on Wednesday that the production capacity of these industries in India aligns with domestic demand and must be viewed in the context of the country's large population and growing consumption needs. He noted that, on a per capita basis, India's production and consumption levels remain significantly lower than those of many developed economies.In its investigation, the US has raised the issue of alleged structural overcapacity in key Indian sectors such as solar equipment, petrochemicals, steel, and textiles. Additionally, India's trade surplus of approximately $42 billion with the US has been highlighted.Meanwhile, the Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) has also submitted a detailed response to the USTR, contesting the US claims. The industry body asserts that production figures for the cotton, yarn, and fabric segments do not indicate any unusual capacity expansion. On the contrary, production in several areas has remained stagnant or declined, undermining allegations of structural oversupply.The Ministry of Commerce has also presented the case for the affected industries, rejecting allegations regarding overcapacity and the use of forced labor in the Indian cotton textile sector.It is worth noting that the USTR investigation was initiated to assess whether various countries are creating manufacturing advantages—through subsidies, labor costs, or other policy measures—that could lead to imbalances in global trade. Beyond textiles and steel, the scope of the investigation includes petrochemicals, health products, and the automotive sector.READ MORE :- Pearl Millet Replaces Cotton as Preferred Crop in South Haryana

Pearl Millet Emerges as Farmers' New Preference Over Cotton in South HaryanaThe agricultural landscape in South Haryana is undergoing rapid change. Farmers in districts like Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, and Charkhi Dadri—once known for cotton production—are now shifting towards large-scale cultivation of pearl millet (*bajra*). The primary reasons for this shift are the rising risks associated with cotton farming, pest infestations, and weather uncertainties.According to government data, the area under cotton cultivation in Haryana has hit a seven-year low. The total area dedicated to cotton in the state has shrunk by approximately 70 percent, dropping to 2.82 lakh hectares. Agricultural experts believe that persistent attacks by the pink bollworm have most severely impacted cotton growers. This pest is now challenging the pest-resistance capabilities of Bt-cotton, causing farmers to suffer repeated crop losses.Factors such as the use of expensive pesticides, high nutrient requirements, and weather-related challenges—like unseasonal rainfall—are driving up cultivation costs. Consequently, for many farmers, cotton farming has turned into a loss-making venture rather than a profitable one.In contrast, pearl millet is a low-cost crop that requires less water. It is drought-tolerant and yields well even in sandy soils and high-temperature conditions. This is why farmers in the water-scarce regions of South Haryana view it as a safer alternative. While farmers with adequate irrigation facilities are shifting towards paddy cultivation, the cultivation of pearl millet and cluster beans (*guar*) is rapidly increasing in arid areas.According to experts from the Mahendragarh Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, pearl millet is benefiting from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime, the *Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana* (Price Deficit Compensation Scheme), and government policies aimed at promoting coarse grains. The government is actively encouraging its cultivation by providing incentives for improved seeds, micro-irrigation techniques, and pearl millet processing units. For these very reasons, the area under cotton cultivation in southern Haryana is steadily declining, while pearl millet is emerging as a more sustainable, profitable, and reliable option for farmers.READ MORE :- Rupee Opens 30 Paise Lower Against US Dollar at 95.57

The rupee opened 30 paise lower at 95.57 against the USD.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened 30 paise lower against the dollar at 95.57, whereas it had closed at 95.27 on Wednesday.READ MORE :- The rupee ended 27 paise higher at 95.27 against the dollar.

On Wednesday the Indian Rupee higher by 27 paise to close at 95.27 against the US dollar, after opening at 95.54 in morning trade.At close, the Sensex was up 64.42 points or 0.09 percent at 73,983.18, and the Nifty was down 27.15 points or 0.12 percent at 23,214.95. About 1383 shares advanced, 2653 shares declined, and 140 shares unchanged.read more :- Cotton Sowing Trails Last Year’s Pace

Cotton Sowing in India Lags Behind; Hopes Rise from Gujarat and Central IndiaThe start of the 2026-27 cotton season in India has been sluggish. Government data indicates that cotton sowing across the country is trailing behind last year's figures; however, positive signals from Gujarat and Central India have boosted industry optimism.Data available up to June 8 shows that cotton sowing has covered 7.51 lakh hectares, compared to 9.72 lakh hectares during the same period last year—a deficit of 2.21 lakh hectares. Despite early monsoon rains in key cotton-producing regions, the pace of sowing remains relatively slow.A decline in cotton acreage is anticipated in North India. Market experts estimate that the total area under cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan could drop by nearly 20 percent this year. Due to pest infestations and crop losses in recent years, many farmers are shifting away from cotton toward alternative crops like pearl millet (bajra), maize, and paddy. In Punjab, sowing covered only 70,000 hectares by early June, against a target of 1.25 lakh hectares. While sowing in Haryana has reached 3.07 lakh hectares, it is likely to remain below normal levels.In contrast, Gujarat has recorded a significant increase in cotton sowing. According to the state agriculture department, the area under cotton reached 93,499 hectares by June 8, a substantial rise from the 34,011 hectares recorded during the same period last year. Better prices and growing farmer interest are cited as the primary reasons for this trend.The Cotton Association of India (CAI) estimates that cotton acreage in Central India could rise by approximately 15 percent this season, potentially pushing the country's total cultivation area beyond 130 lakh hectares. An increase of ₹557 per quintal in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) may also encourage farmers to expand cotton cultivation. Now, the progress of sowing in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Central India over the coming weeks will determine how close the country gets to this estimate.read more :- MP Cuts Cotton Mandi Fee to 0.5%

MP Cabinet Decisions: Mandi fee on cotton reduced, increased on other produce; Cabinet takes several key decisionsBhopal, June 10, 2026. Several significant decisions concerning farmers, the agricultural sector, and development schemes were taken during the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday at the Mantralaya, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Following the meeting, MSME Minister Chaitanya Kashyap briefed the media on the Council of Ministers' decisions.Providing relief to cotton growers and the ginning industry, the Cabinet decided to reduce the mandi fee (market fee) on cotton from 1 percent to 0.5 percent (50 paise per hundred rupees). Minister Kashyap explained that ginning factories in the Burhanpur, Khandwa, and Nimar regions were facing higher costs compared to those in Maharashtra. The reduction in the fee ensures that cotton produced in the state is processed at local ginning units, benefiting both the industry and the farmers.Conversely, the mandi fee on all general agricultural produce—excluding cotton—has been raised from 1 percent to 1.5 percent. The government estimates that this decision will generate an additional revenue of approximately ₹800 crore. The funds raised will be utilized for agricultural infrastructure, rural roads, cattle conservation, farmer welfare, and activities related to agricultural research and outreach.The Cabinet also approved ₹235 crore to ensure the continuity of various schemes under the Department of Science and Technology. This move will accelerate the department's ongoing projects and innovation programs.The meeting also addressed the availability and distribution system of fertilizers for the upcoming Kharif season. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that there is an adequate supply of fertilizers in the state and assured that farmers would face no difficulties. To ensure this, nodal officers will be appointed to oversee the fertilizer distribution system in coordination with ministers, MLAs, and the administration.The Chief Minister instructed all public representatives and officials to prioritize the interests of farmers and ensure the prompt resolution of agriculture-related issues.read more :- Rupee Opens 19 Paise Lower at 95.54 Against Dollar