Why in NEWS
To boost India’s cotton output and strengthen the entire textile value chain, the Government has launched the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’ under Union Budget 2025–26, aligned with Textile Vision 2030.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Textile Vision 2030 | Aims to make India a global textile hub by building a USD 250 billion industry and achieving USD 100 billion in exports. |
| ELS Cotton | Extra Long Staple cotton with longer, stronger, softer, and more durable fibers used for premium textiles. |
| 5F Vision | Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign – a holistic supply chain framework. |
| Pink Bollworm (PBW) | A major cotton pest; has developed resistance to older Bt cotton varieties. |
| DARE | Department of Agricultural Research & Education – nodal agency for this mission. |
What is the Mission for Cotton Productivity?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 |
| Duration | Five-Year Initiative |
| Lead Agencies | DARE (Nodal), Ministry of Textiles (Partner) |
| Goal | Enhance cotton yield and quality through tech & biotech intervention |
| Focus | High-yielding, climate-smart, pest-resistant cotton; especially ELS |
Why the Mission was Needed?
| Problem | Details |
|---|---|
| Low Yield | Despite largest area under cotton (130.61 lakh ha), India ranks 39th globally in productivity (447 kg/ha). |
| Rising Imports | Cotton imports rose to $1.04 billion (2024–25) from $518 million (2023–24), while exports fell. |
| Technology Stagnation | No new GM cotton approved since 2006 despite success of Bt cotton. |
| PBW Infestation | Pink bollworm now resistant to Bt cotton strains. |
| Lost Export Share | Countries like Brazil & USA using biotech to dominate global markets. |
Factors Influencing Cotton Cultivation
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Tolerates up to 43°C; <21°C is harmful. |
| Rainfall | Requires 50–100 cm; needs 210 frost-free days. |
| Soil | Prefers well-drained, black clayey/alluvial/mixed soils. |
| Top Producers | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab. |
| Seasons | Sown in April–May (North), delayed in South due to monsoon. |
Key Government Initiatives in Cotton Sector
| Initiative | Focus |
|---|---|
| NFSM Cotton | Productivity enhancement |
| PM-MITRA | Mega textile parks |
| Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) | Procurement & buffer stock |
| MSP for Cotton | Price support |
| Kasturi Cotton Bharat | Premium Indian cotton branding |
| Cott-Ally App | Tech advisory to farmers |
Way Forward – Making India Self-Reliant in Cotton
| Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| R&D & Biotech Approval | Fast-track GM cotton (Bt 3.0, RNAi, herbicide-tolerant traits) |
| Promote ELS Cotton | Offer premium MSP, use cluster models, contract farming |
| Integrated Pest Management | Area-wide PBW control: traps, sterile insects, crop rotation |
| Boost Export Competitiveness | Strengthen Kasturi branding, export-focused textile parks |
| Digitize Cotton Ecosystem | Use AI, remote sensing, blockchain for yield, pest, traceability |
| Climate-Smart Practices | Promote micro-irrigation, organic farming, precision nutrients |
In a nutshell
Mnemonic: “YIELD-COT”
Yield improvement,
Integrated pest control,
ELS promotion,
Low import dependence,
Digital support,
Climate-smart farming,
Overseas market boost,
Textile export revival.
Prelims Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following best describes the 5F Vision in the textile sector?
a) Fibre → Farm → Fashion → Factory → Foreign
b) Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign
c) Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Farm → Foreign
d) Factory → Farm → Fashion → Fibre → Foreign - Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton is preferred in textile manufacturing because it:
a) Is more pest resistant
b) Is cheaper than short staple cotton
c) Has longer, softer, and more durable fibers
d) Requires no irrigation - Which pest has recently developed resistance to Bt cotton in India?
a) Whitefly
b) Aphid
c) Bollworm (PBW)
d) Red cotton bug
Mains Questions
- What are the major reasons for India’s declining cotton productivity despite having the largest area under cultivation? Suggest measures to overcome them. 15 marks
- Discuss how the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’ can help in achieving the targets under Textile Vision 2030. (GS3: Economy, GS2: Governance) 10 Marks
Answer Key (Prelims)
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | It reflects the full textile value chain: from farm to global exports. |
| 2 | c | ELS cotton is known for superior fiber quality. |
| 3 | c | Pink Bollworm has developed resistance to Bt proteins. |
