According to textiles secretary Rachna Shah on Wednesday, the government has launched a pilot programme engaging 15,000 farmers across 10 states to enhance production of the highest-quality cotton by implementing international farming practises.
The project was started in the midst of a decline in cotton production and was coordinated by the textile and agriculture ministries.
The pilot project’s results are anticipated in January of the following year. We will be able to understand the impact of these technologies after the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) evaluates the data,” the secretary stated.
“We are collaborating intensively to raise cotton productivity with the ministry of agriculture and other relevant parties. We are employing the best agronomy techniques, such as premium seeds and high density planting systems, to boost productivity and other indigenous innovations,” Shah stated during a press conference to reveal the agenda for the 81st plenary meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), which will take place in Mumbai on December 2–3.
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka are the ten cotton-growing states involved in the pilot programme.
Approximately 250,000 bales, weighing 170 kg each, have been acquired by the government thus far since the cotton season began in October.
According to the official, there are 450 procurement centres operating in the 11 states that produce cotton.
For medium staple cotton, the minimum support price (MSP) set by the government is ₹6,620/quintal, whereas for long staple cotton, it is ₹7020/quintal.
“Approximately 6 million farmers are involved in cotton production, and 35 million farmers grow cotton worldwide, making cotton one of the primary economic activity sectors for livelihood and a critical factor in the development of the Indian economy,” the official stated.
