The “Kasturi Cotton Bharat” Programme represents a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and global reputation of Indian cotton. This program is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Textiles, the Government of India, and various trade and industry bodies, with TEXPROCIL acting as the implementing agency. The primary goal is to promote the use of premium quality cotton that meets international standards throughout the textile value chain.
Objectives and Importance
The Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the textile industry. It ensures stringent quality control measures are in place while simultaneously building a positive image for Indian cotton products in the global market. By integrating branding, traceability, and certification activities through blockchain technology and unique QR codes, this program aims to enhance transparency and accountability across the cotton supply chain.
The Kasturi Promise
Kasturi Cotton is characterised as a specification-based Indian farm cotton brand, distinguished by its long staple lengths of over 30 mm and 29 mm. Buyers can expect high-quality cotton that adheres to established benchmarks, including Micronaire value, RD value, fibre strength, uniformity index, trash content, and moisture levels. The program employs a rigorous verification process involving audits, inspections, and sample testing conducted by NABCB-certified agencies and NABL-accredited laboratories. Only those bales that meet these criteria are certified as ‘Kasturi‘.
Quality Parameters of Kasturi Cotton
Benefits for the Textile Industry
The Kasturi Cotton initiative offers numerous advantages for the textile sector:
- Consistent Quality: Ensures a reliable supply of high-quality Indian cotton.
- Efficiency: Increases efficiency at the spinning stage due to the availability of pre-cleaned cotton.
- Cost Savings: Reduces knitting losses and enhances dyeing pickup, resulting in superior products.
- Traceability: Confirms Indian origin while meeting global traceability demands.
- Chain of Custody: Provides end-to-end traceability through an indigenous blockchain platform.
Advantages for Consumers
Consumers also stand to gain from the use of Kasturi Cotton:
- Luxurious Softness: Fabrics made from this cotton are exceptionally soft, enhancing comfort.
- Natural Luster: The intrinsic qualities of Kasturi Cotton contribute to a natural sheen.
- Vibrant Colors: Fabrics exhibit improved colour vibrancy for visually striking products.
- Durability: The inherent strength of Kasturi Cotton ensures long-lasting fabrics.
- Sustainability: Promotes environmentally responsible practices in sourcing raw materials.
Why Choose Kasturi Cotton?
The Kasturi Cotton initiative emphasises end-to-end traceability through blockchain technology, ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain—from raw cotton to finished products. This documentation fosters trust and accountability while meeting compliance requirements.
Moreover, collaborations with sustainability programs such as the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) help ensure that Kasturi Cotton adheres to global sustainability standards. These partnerships aim to reduce environmental impact, responsibly source materials, and align with international eco-friendly regulations.
In conclusion, the Kasturi Cotton Bharat Programme not only elevates Indian cotton on the global stage but also reinforces India’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices in textile production. This initiative is poised to create significant value for both producers and consumers alike while promoting India’s rich heritage in cotton farming.
