Cotton Productivity Mission

Why in News?

Recently, The Union Cabinet, has approved the Cotton Productivity Mission to strengthen the cotton value chain in India.

• Aim – To address the challenges faced by farmers by increasing their income, ensuring a steady supply of quality cotton and revitalising India’s traditional textile sector.

Existing challenges – Low productivity, resistance of pink bollworm, climate risks, soil degradation, weak crop management practices, limited availability of quality inputs and regional disparities.

• Type – Central Sector Mission
• Along with an agreement with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
• In collaboration with Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and (DA&FW) and Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE)
• Implementing Agencies – Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Governments
  • To ensure new technologies, improved practices and scientific advisory services directly reach farmers.
• States Covered – 14 cotton‑producing states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, etc.
• Area & Beneficiaries – Nearly 24 lakh hectares across 140 districts, benefiting 32 lakh farmers.

Mission Components

• R&D– Developing 24 new high‑yielding, climate‑resilient cotton varieties and hybrids.
•  Focusing on Pink Bollworm resistance (pest resistance), higher ginning percentage, superior fibre quality, genome editing and region-specific extra-long staple, coloured and indigenous cotton varieties.
• Extension & Field Demonstration (DA&FW) – Large-scale extension of the latest crop production technologies.
• This include demonstration-based promotion of high-density planting systems, narrow-spacing planting systems, extra-long staple varieties and integrated crop management practices at the field level.
• Productivity Targets –
  • Cotton productivity (per hectare) – 440 kg lint/ha to 755 kg lint/ha by 2031.
  • Cotton production (national output) – 297 lakh bales to 498 lakh bales by 2031.

Policy Linkages

• SCO Agreement on Agricultural Trade & Plant Quarantine – To promote safe trade, pest‑free agricultural exchange, and regional food security among SCO member countries.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat – To strengthen India's agricultural independence & economic resilience.
• The 5F Vision – A comprehensive development framework to build a strong value chain from cotton cultivation to textile exports.

Quick Facts

Reference

• PIB | Cotton Productivity Mission