Government targets higher cotton output, better quality fibre and global competitiveness by 2030-31 under new national mission

In a major push to strengthen India’s cotton and textile value chain, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the ambitious “Mission for Cotton Productivity” with a total outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The mission aims to improve cotton productivity, enhance fibre quality, promote sustainable textile production and position Indian cotton as a premium global product. The initiative also aligns with the government’s larger 5F vision — Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign — focused on strengthening India’s textile exports and agricultural value addition.

Key Highlights

• Cabinet approves ₹5,659.22 crore Mission for Cotton Productivity
• Mission period: 2026-27 to 2030-31
• Target cotton production: 498 lakh bales by 2031
• Cotton productivity target raised from 440 kg/ha to 755 kg/ha
• Around 32 lakh farmers expected to benefit
• Focus on high-yielding, climate-resilient and pest-resistant seeds
• 140 districts across 14 states to be covered initially
• 2,000 ginning and processing factories to be modernised
• Strong emphasis on traceability, quality certification and sustainable fibres

Focus on Productivity, Quality and Sustainability

The new cotton mission seeks to address long-standing challenges including stagnant productivity, pest attacks, climate vulnerability and quality inconsistencies in India’s cotton sector.

Under the programme, the government will promote development of high-yielding and pest-resistant cotton seeds alongside advanced crop management technologies such as:

• High Density Planting System (HDPS)
• Closer Spacing (CS)
• Integrated Cotton Management
• Promotion of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton

The mission will also support large-scale farmer training and technology adoption through state governments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State Agricultural Universities.

Major Push for Textile Industry and Exports

A significant component of the mission focuses on improving cotton quality for the textile and apparel industry.

The government plans to modernise around 2,000 ginning and processing units while strengthening cotton testing infrastructure with accredited quality assessment facilities to meet international standards.

The initiative is expected to support India’s textile manufacturing ecosystem by ensuring cleaner and better-quality cotton supply with lower contamination levels.

Under the mission, the government will also aggressively promote “Kasturi Cotton Bharat” — India’s traceable and certified premium cotton brand — to strengthen global market positioning and export competitiveness.

Digital Integration and Circular Economy Focus

The mission includes digital integration of agricultural mandis to enable transparent price discovery and improved market access for cotton farmers through e-platforms.

It also introduces a strong sustainability component through:

• Cotton waste recycling
• Circular economy practices
• Promotion of natural fibres such as bamboo, banana fibre, flax, ramie, sisal and milkweed

The diversification strategy is designed to align India’s textile industry with rising global demand for environmentally sustainable fibres and responsible fashion sourcing.

Multi-Ministry and Research-Led Implementation

The Mission for Cotton Productivity will be jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Textiles.

The programme will involve:

• 10 institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• One institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
• 10 centres of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Cotton across major cotton-growing states

Initially, 140 cotton-growing districts in 14 states will be covered under the programme.

Strategic Importance for Hospitality and Fashion Industries

The mission is expected to have long-term implications for India’s textile, fashion, retail and hospitality sectors, where demand for premium, traceable and sustainable fabrics is rising rapidly.

Improved cotton quality and fibre traceability could strengthen India’s position in hotel linen, premium uniforms, sustainable fashion and export-oriented textile manufacturing markets over the next decade.