In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a visionary five-year mission aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability in cotton farming. A key aspect of this initiative is the promotion of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton varieties, an effort designed to elevate the quality of Indian cotton while improving farmers’ incomes. This strategic move is expected to bolster India’s position in the global textile market.
What Is Extra-Long Staple Cotton?
ELS cotton is defined by its fibre length, which exceeds 30 mm, making it significantly superior in quality compared to other varieties. It is primarily derived from the species Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton. In contrast, India’s predominant cotton variety, Gossypium hirsutum, falls under the medium staple category, with fibre lengths ranging from 25 to 28.6 mm. Globally, ELS cotton is cultivated in countries like China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru, where advanced agricultural practices ensure its premium quality.
ELS Cotton Cultivation in India: Current Scenario
India’s ELS cotton cultivation is limited to specific regions, particularly in the rain-fed areas of Atpadi taluka in Maharashtra and around Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Despite its superior quality, ELS cotton farming remains marginal due to the challenges faced by Indian farmers.
Challenges in ELS Cotton Adoption
One of the primary reasons for the limited adoption of ELS cotton is its lower yield compared to medium staple varieties. While medium staple cotton produces yields of 10 to 12 quintals per acre, ELS cotton yields only around 7 to 8 quintals. Additionally, farmers struggle to obtain premium prices due to inadequate market linkages, making ELS cotton farming financially unviable.
The Potential of the Cotton Mission
The newly launched Cotton Mission aims to address these challenges through scientific and technological advancements. Key aspects of the initiative include:
- Enhanced Pest Management: Introduction of better pest control techniques to improve yield and reduce crop losses.
- Improved Seed Varieties: Development and distribution of superior ELS cotton seeds to increase productivity.
- Advanced Agronomic Practices: Adoption of innovative farming techniques to optimize soil health and water usage.
- Genetically Modified (GM) Technologies: Consideration of herbicide-resistant HtBT cotton to improve weed management and overall productivity.
Currently, India’s average cotton yield per acre is significantly lower than that of countries like Brazil and China. By addressing these challenges, the Cotton Mission aims to enhance India’s cotton output and global competitiveness. The initiative aligns with the government’s 5F principle: Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign, ensuring a seamless and efficient supply chain from production to export.
Moreover, the mission seeks to reduce India’s dependence on cotton imports and provide a stable raw material supply for the textile industry, which is largely driven by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This will not only strengthen domestic manufacturing but also increase employment opportunities in the sector.
Other Government Measures for the Textile Industry
In addition to the Cotton Mission, the Union Budget 2025-26 includes several measures to bolster the textile sector:
Increased Budget Allocation for Textiles
- The Ministry of Textiles has been allocated ₹5,272 crore, a 19% increase from the previous year’s ₹4,417.03 crore.
- This increase underscores the government’s commitment to boosting textile production and exports.
Promotion of Technical Textiles
- Emphasis on domestic production of agro-textiles, medical textiles, and geo-textiles to reduce reliance on imports.
- Exemption of two new types of shuttle-less looms from customs duty to make modern textile machinery more affordable.
Customs Duty on Knitted Fabrics
- Increased to 20% or ₹115 per kg, whichever is higher, to protect domestic producers from cheap imports and enhance market competitiveness.
Support for Handicraft Exports
- The export period has been extended from six months to one year, with an additional three-month extension option.
- Nine new items, including sea shells and cattle horn, have been added to the duty-free list for export production, supporting artisans and small businesses.
Support for MSMEs in the Textile Sector
- Introduction of National Manufacturing Mission, Export Promotion Mission, and Bharat Trade Net to aid textile exports.
- Enhanced credit access and financial support through the Fund of Funds to promote MSME growth and employment.
- Revised MSME classification criteria to ensure broader access to government incentives and resources.
Future Prospects for Indian Cotton
The launch of the Cotton Mission presents a significant opportunity for Indian farmers to improve their productivity and income. By leveraging modern technologies and improving market access, India can elevate the status of its cotton industry on the global stage. The mission aims to increase the cultivation of premium varieties like ELS cotton, which would benefit both farmers and the textile sector by making Indian cotton more competitive internationally.
With the government’s continued focus on innovation, investment, and infrastructure, the future of Indian cotton looks promising. By addressing key challenges and fostering sustainable practices, the Cotton Mission is poised to transform the Indian textile industry and strengthen its position as a global leader in high-quality cotton production.