Textile minister Giriraj Singh reiterates focus on cotton sector

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday reiterated the centre's commitment to transforming India's cotton ecosystem through higher productivity, improved quality and greater traceability, highlighting the recently approved Rs 5,659 crore Cotton Productivity Mission as the government's key intervention to strengthen the sector.

The minister said the Cotton Productivity Mission is expected to improve productivity and fibre quality while enhancing India's competitiveness in global textile supply chains. He described cotton as a cornerstone of India's rural economy, self-reliance and agricultural prosperity.

Speaking at the 56th Foundation Day celebrations of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) in Maharashtra, Singh said the government's strategy is centred on improving farm productivity, modernising cotton processing, promoting sustainability and expanding the Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme to position Indian cotton as a premium, traceable fibre in global markets.


Highlighting CCI's role in supporting growers, Singh said the agency procured more than 522 lakh quintals of seed cotton during the 2025-26 cotton season through nearly 24 lakh farmer transactions, transferring Rs 41,530 crore directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) programme. He also noted that the MSP for the 2026-27 cotton season has been raised by around 7%.

Four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed on the sidelines of the event to strengthen quality standards, sustainability, traceability and market access across the cotton value chain. The partnerships involve CCI, ICAR-CIRCOT, GIZ, industry bodies and private-sector participants, with a focus on improving ginning quality, promoting climate-smart cultivation and expanding certified cotton production under the Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme.