Government Shifts Cotton Strategy to Focus on Productivity; Targets 755 kg/Hectare Yield by FY31
New Delhi: The central government has shifted the focus of its cotton development strategy from crop protection to enhancing productivity. The objective is to boost domestic cotton production and reduce India's growing reliance on imports. Under the ₹5,659 crore 'Cotton Productivity Mission' (Kapas Kranti), the government aims to increase the average cotton yield from 428 kg per hectare in FY26 to 755 kg per hectare by FY31, targeting an annual increase of at least 50 kg per hectare.
To be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the mission will prioritize high-density planting, high-yielding seed varieties, scientific farming practices, and farmer training. Officials noted that while significant efforts have been made in recent years to protect cotton crops from pests like the pink bollworm and whitefly, the next phase will focus on improving cultivation productivity.
Although India has the largest area under cotton cultivation globally, its average yield remains significantly lower than the global average of 833 kg per hectare. Government data indicates that cotton yields have not seen substantial growth in recent years, highlighting the clear need for measures focused on productivity.
This renewed emphasis comes at a time when domestic cotton production is steadily declining and imports are rising. Cotton production has dropped from 33.66 million bales in FY23 to an estimated 29.1 million bales in FY26, whereas annual domestic consumption is projected at 32.8 million bales. This has resulted in a supply deficit that is being met through imports. To bridge this gap, the government aims to increase cotton production to 49.8 million bales by FY31, while domestic consumption is projected to reach 45 million bales. This mission is expected to benefit approximately 3.2 million cotton farmers across the country's major cotton-producing states.
Industry experts believe that improving cotton productivity is essential to strengthening India's textile sector and achieving the government's target of $100 billion in textile exports by 2030. Higher yields, superior quality cotton, competitive raw material prices, and reduced contamination levels will enhance India's competitiveness in global markets. Agreements with the United Kingdom and ongoing negotiations with the European Union are creating new trade opportunities; in this context, increased productivity will play a pivotal role in expanding India's share of the global cotton and textile trade.
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