From Farming to Sewing: A 10-Year Mission Will Strengthen Every Thread of Cotton
The Indian government has taken a major step to increase cotton productivity. Initially, the mission was planned for a five-year period, but the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) suggested that five years was too short. Therefore, the Cotton Productivity Mission is now being extended to a ten-year period. The mission aims to increase cotton production, provide improved varieties, and boost farmers' incomes.
Why is the mission necessary?
Cotton production in the country is constantly fluctuating.
Production was projected to be 32.52 million bales in 2023-24.
It is projected to decline to 29.72 million bales in 2024-25.
The government has not yet released exact figures for 2025-26, but trade organizations estimate that production could be around 30.5 million bales. This decline affects both farmers and the textile industry. Therefore, this government mission is considered extremely important.
What will farmers gain from this mission?
1. Improved Seeds and Technology
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) will provide farmers with new, improved, and high-yielding cotton varieties. However, the government has clarified that seed research work is already proposed under the "High-Yielding Seed Mission," so there will be no duplication between the two schemes.
2. Modern Farming Techniques
Under this mission, farmers will receive training on modern farming techniques, soil management, pest control, and water management.
3. Promotion of Long Staple Cotton
The government will promote Extra Long Staple Cotton, which will provide better quality fiber to the textile industry and higher prices for farmers.
What is the 5F Vision?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated in her budget speech that this mission is based on India's 5F vision: Farm → Fiber → Factory → Fashion → Foreign. This means that a strong supply chain will be built from farming to textile factories, fashion, and export abroad. This will provide cotton farmers with better prices and a secure market.
Tussle between Jat and ministries
*Initially, the estimated cost for this mission was approximately ₹5,000 crore.
But now that the mission's duration is expected to be 10 years, the cost may increase.
The Textile Ministry wants to use some of this funding to modernize ginning factories. However, the Finance Department and NITI Aayog have rejected this proposal, stating that it was not announced in the budget and will therefore have to be removed.
Role of Central and State Governments
The Finance Department has recommended that this mission be a centrally sponsored scheme so that the central and state governments share the expenditure. Since agriculture is a state subject, state participation is essential. The government wants ICAR to send its final proposal directly to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) so that a meeting of all ministries at the higher level can be held and a decision can be made quickly. The mission is taking some time to launch, but preparations are progressing rapidly.
Initiatives to Increase Cotton Farmers' Income
The Cotton Productivity Mission is a major opportunity for millions of cotton farmers in India. This 10-year mission will focus on improved seeds, modern farming techniques, and quality improvement. This will increase farmers' incomes and strengthen the country's textile industry. This mission will make India more competitive in the global cotton market.
