Texprocil to Focus on Boosting 'Kasturi Cotton' Branding and Leveraging FTA Benefits
Over the next two years, the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil) will focus on increasing the volume of cotton eligible for branding under the 'Kasturi Cotton India' initiative and better utilizing the benefits available to the Indian textile industry through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Ravi Sam, the Council's newly elected Chairman, has identified these two areas as crucial for the industry's growth.
According to Ravi Sam, less than 50% of the cotton submitted for branding meets the prescribed standards and quality tests. Therefore, special attention must be paid to quality improvement to increase the quantity of cotton eligible for branding as Kasturi Cotton.
He stated that international retail brands should also recognize the quality of Kasturi Cotton and promote its use. A key feature of this brand is traceability, which allows for the tracking of the cotton's source and supply chain. This can help build confidence in the product's identity and quality.
*Farmers Should Also Receive the Kasturi Cotton Premium*
Ravi Sam noted that the Kasturi Cotton branding process begins at the ginning units. However, it is also essential to extend the benefits of this initiative to farmers. Farmers play a pivotal role in reducing trash content and improving fiber quality.
He emphasized that farmers should receive a fair share of the premium generated by Kasturi Cotton. The interests of farmers must be considered alongside the benefits accruing to ginners and other stakeholders in the textile value chain. This could incentivize farmers to improve cotton quality and adopt better production practices.
He also urged the government to curb the availability of spurious cotton seeds in the market. Additionally, emphasis was placed on rationalizing the number of approved seed varieties to make it easier for farmers to select the right seeds.
**Focus on Boosting Export Opportunities via FTAs**
Regarding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Ravi Sam noted that Indian textile exporters had long faced competitive challenges in UK and European markets due to import duties. He emphasized that the industry should better leverage the opportunities arising from India's trade agreements.
He mentioned that the Southern Region of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has initiated special sessions to inform exporters about the terms, procedures, and potential benefits of FTAs. These sessions can help exporters understand the provisions of the respective agreements and capitalize on them.
According to Ravi Sam, strengthening the branding of Kasturi Cotton, ensuring fair economic returns for farmers, and expanding export opportunities through FTAs will be the key priorities for Texprocil over the next two years.
read more :- Andhra Pradesh Declares 388 Mandals Drought-Hit
