COIMBATORE: The textile sector has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Mission for Cotton Productivity (MCP) with a total outlay of Rs 5,659.22 crore, expressing hope that the initiative will restore competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth for millions of cotton farmers in the country.
Industry representatives believe the mission comes at a crucial time for India’s cotton economy, which forms the backbone of its textile exports and plays a vital role in both domestic manufacturing and global trade.
“The mission would help rebuild the strength of the cotton sector while creating a long-term growth pathway for farmers as well as the entire textile value chain. He pointed out that nearly 80 per cent of India’s textile exports are cotton-based, making the sector highly dependent on consistent productivity, fibre quality, and stable raw material availability,” said Durai Palanisamy, Chairman of The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA).
According to him, global demand for Indian cotton yarn and fabrics is gradually improving, particularly from China, which has begun rebuilding its cotton yarn reserves.
Despite geopolitical uncertainties and global trade disruptions, the Indian textile industry has remained resilient and is actively looking to expand its presence in international markets by leveraging new trade agreements and exploring fresh export destinations. However, industry leaders have long highlighted that India’s lower cotton productivity compared to countries such as Brazil and China remains a major challenge, especially in meeting the growing demand for high-quality fibre required for value-added export products.
The newly announced mission is expected to address this gap by significantly improving cotton yields and reducing dependence on imports of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, which is essential for premium textile manufacturing. It is also expected to ensure better income for farmers through higher productivity and improved crop quality, while strengthening the supply chain for the textile industry.
Officials and industry stakeholders believe that the initiative will bring a technological shift in cotton cultivation through the use of improved seeds, advanced farming practices, mechanisation, and better pest management systems. Focused research and development efforts led by institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are also expected to play a key role in enhancing fibre quality and boosting overall efficiency in the sector.
With these measures in place, the Mission for Cotton Productivity is seen as a strategic step towards strengthening India’s position in global textile markets, supporting farmer livelihoods, and ensuring a more competitive and sustainable cotton ecosystem for the future.