India Launches Cotton Productivity Mission to Boost Farmer Income
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the ambitious Cotton Productivity Mission. This initiative, supported by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, promises to modernize cotton farming in India, enhancing agricultural trade and boosting food security for the nation.
Shri Chouhan emphasized that this mission will connect cotton farmers with cutting-edge research and technology, ultimately improving production systems and reducing risks posed by pests. By focusing on safe agricultural trade, it aims to enhance international cooperation within the sector.
Addressing Key Challenges in Cotton Farming
The Union Agriculture Minister pointed out that India contributes over 21% of the world’s cotton production, with cultivation spread over 11.447 million hectares. This makes the sector vital for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the country’s textile industry. However, numerous challenges persist, including low productivity, climate-related risks, and pest issues, which threaten the sustainability of cotton farming.
In light of declining production rates and the pressing gap between supply and consumption, Chouhan stated that the Cotton Productivity Mission is a necessary intervention to revitalize the industry. The mission seeks to boost farmers’ income while ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality cotton.
Five-Fold Vision and Investment
This initiative aligns with the integrated 5F vision for the textile sector, representing Farm, Fibre, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign, which aims to create a sustainable value chain from agriculture to industry. The mission has secured a provision of Rs. 5,659.22 crore, with strategic interventions managed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE).
Of this investment, Rs. 555.05 crore will be directed towards research initiatives to develop 24 new climate-resilient cotton varieties. These varieties will focus on pest resistance and enhanced yield, aiming to increase the current cotton productivity level from around 440 kilograms per hectare to 755 kilograms per hectare by 2031. The mission targets a rise in cotton production from 297 lakh bales to 498 lakh bales by 2031.
Broad Implementation and Expected Benefits
In its initial phase, the mission will cover approximately 24 lakh hectares across 140 districts in 14 cotton-producing states, directly benefitting around 32 lakh farmers. This extensive implementation will work closely with state governments and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to ensure that innovations and scientific advice reach the farmers effectively.
In addition to the Cotton Productivity Mission, the Union Cabinet also approved an agreement on safe trade of agricultural products with SCO member countries. This agreement aims to strengthen plant quarantine measures, enhancing food security and preventing pest outbreaks in agricultural trade.
Shri Chouhan noted that this cooperation framework will foster regional collaboration, sharing knowledge and resources among member nations. Together, these initiatives underline the government’s commitment to enhancing farmer welfare and advancing agricultural productivity in India.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
