The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) has welcomed the centre’s approval of ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’ (MCP) and called it a timely and significant intervention to make stronger India’s cotton textile sector. The central government has launched under the ‘Kapas Kranti’ initiative and allocated it Rs 5,659.22 crore and which will be implemented until 2030–31.
SIMA Chairman Durai Palanisamy described the initiative as visionary by saying that it would not only enhance cotton productivity but also boost farmer incomes and at the same time ensure a steady supply of cotton.
He stressed that it was critical that high quality cotton be made available to boost export prospects of the Indian textile industry, considering that 80% of textile exports are cotton-based.
In a press release, SIMA underlined the impact of the Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC), which was implemented between 1999 and 2014. During that period, India saw a dramatic hike in cotton production. Cotton output doubled from around 178 lakh bales to nearly 398 lakh bales.
“However, after the TMC was stopped, the cotton agriculture sector witnessed a dip in productivity due to increasing pest-related challenges, reduced policy focus and outdated technology,” the press release added.
The Cotton Productivity Mission aims to address longstanding issues through a strategy that includes adoption of modern agricultural practices, mechanization, improved seed varieties and enhanced pest management systems.
The mission also seeks to cut India’s dependence on imports of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. With current cotton productivity levels lower than other major cotton producers like Brazil and China, the mission is expected to bridge this gap.
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