ENA Sectors 2026-05-06 14:46:36 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, May 6 (KNN)</strong> The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Rs 5,659.22 crore Mission for Cotton Productivity for the period 2026 27 to 2030 31, aimed at addressing structural challenges and improving productivity and quality in Indias cotton sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The mission seeks to enhance farm-level yields and strengthen the entire cotton value chain in line with the governments 5F vision&mdash;spanning farm to global markets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">It will focus on developing high-yielding, climate-resilient and pest-resistant seed varieties, alongside scaling up modern agronomic practices such as High Density Planting System (HDPS), closer spacing, and integrated crop management.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A key component of the programme is improving cotton quality through modernisation of ginning and processing infrastructure, strengthening testing and certification systems, and promoting contamination-free cotton for domestic industry and exports.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The initiative also emphasises branding and traceability under Kasturi Cotton Bharat to position Indian cotton as a premium and sustainable product in global markets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The mission will be implemented jointly by the Ministries of Agriculture and Textiles, with support from institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, along with State Agricultural Universities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Initially, it will cover 140 districts across 14 states and involve around 2,000 ginning and processing units.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In addition to productivity enhancement, the programme includes measures to digitise agricultural markets, promote cotton waste recycling, and diversify fibre production by encouraging natural fibres such as flax, bamboo, and sisal to align with evolving global demand.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The mission targets an increase in cotton production to 498 lakh bales by 2031, with lint productivity rising from 440 kg per hectare to 755 kg per hectare. It is expected to benefit approximately 32 lakh farmers and contribute to greater self-reliance in the cotton sector while strengthening Indias position in global textile markets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 46029 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/cabinet-approves-rs-5659-crore-mission-for-cotton-productivity 2026-05-06 14:46:36 knnindia.co.in