Intending to boost the sagging morale of the cotton sector, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a five-year National Mission for Cotton Productivity’.

Presenting the Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, she said the mission will facilitate significant improvements in the productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties.

The cotton sector in the country is beset with several challenges including dwindling area and productivity. The crop, once used to a dependable option for lakhs of farmers, is faced with the challenges of increased cost of production and unpredictable returns.

Major commercial crop

Cotton, a major commercial crop in India, comprises approximately 23 per cent of global cotton production. It supports the livelihoods of about 60 lakh cotton farmers and 4-5 crore people involved in associated activities like processing and trade.

The sector, however, faces challenges like acute labour shortage and seeds that are susceptible to pests and diseases. A section of farmers want enhanced Genetically-modified cotton technologies to improve yields.

The area fell to 130 lakh hectares in 2022-23 from 134.77 lah hectares four years ago. Productivity saw a huge decline over the last few years.

“The best of science & technology support will be provided to farmers. Aligned with our integrated vision for the textile sector, this will help in increasing incomes of the farmers, and ensure a steady supply of quality cotton for rejuvenating India’s traditional textile sector,” she said.

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