India’s Cotton Sector Drives Sustainable Growth and Innovation

The celebration of World Cotton Day 2025 in New Delhi spotlighted India’s commitment to advancing its cotton and textile sector. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Textiles and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), centred on the theme Cotton 2040 – Technology, Climate & Competitiveness. Key leaders outlined plans to boost production, sustainability, and global competitiveness, emphasising the vital role of cotton in India’s agriculture and economy.

Government’s Vision for Cotton and Textiles

The government aims to develop the textile sector into a USD 350 billion industry by 2030, including USD 100 billion in exports. Efforts focus on achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing farmer welfare. Increasing minimum support prices (MSP) over the last decade supports this goal. The Mission for Cotton Productivity is under consideration to raise yields from the current 450 kg per hectare towards global standards exceeding 2,000 kg.

Climate Change and Sustainability Challenges

Climate change poses threats to cotton cultivation, especially in rain-fed regions. Efficient water use, soil conservation, and renewable energy adoption are critical. Stakeholders must collaborate to protect natural resources and ensure long-term prosperity for farmers. Sustainable cotton production is seen as essential to meeting global eco-friendly product demand.

Technological Innovation and Productivity Enhancement

Technology-led transformation is central to the sector’s future. Advanced cotton breeding, precision farming, digital traceability, and data-driven extension services are key tools. Modernising ginning infrastructure and adopting High Density Planting Systems (HDPS) aim to increase productivity and quality. Sustainability certifications and quality assurance are vital for global market acceptance.

Kasturi Cotton Bharat Initiative

The ‘Kasturi Cotton Bharat’ initiative seeks to position Indian cotton as a global symbol of purity, quality, and sustainability. It aligns with the government’s ‘5F’ vision—farm, fibre, factory, fashion, and foreign trade. The initiative promotes emotional and economic connectivity among farmers, ginners, spinners, brands, and exporters. Collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships underpin this mission.

Industry and International Collaboration

The event brought into light partnerships with industry leaders and international bodies. Memorandums of About (MoUs) were signed with major textile companies and research institutions to support innovation and farmer empowerment. Strengthening ties with countries like Russia was also emphasised to expand trade and technical cooperation in textiles and apparel.

Economic and Social Impact

The cotton sector supports six million farmers and provides employment to over 45 million people across the value chain. It contributes to rural livelihoods and women’s empowerment. The industry’s growth is linked to broader economic development, making it a priority for government schemes such as ATUFS, PM MITRA, and NTTM.