Jayesh Chouhan, Tue Dec 30,
Textile Ministry to Get $122M Boost for Cotton Productivity Mission
According to industry sources, the Ministry of Textiles is poised to receive an allocation of approximately ₹1,100 crore (US$122 million) from the Indian government's new Cotton Productivity Mission. This move aims to strengthen the country's textile value chain. This allocation represents more than 20% of the mission's total proposed budget of approximately ₹6,000 crore (US$668 million).
The funding is coming from the five-year Cotton Productivity Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, with the objective of addressing declining cotton production and quality issues in India and revitalizing the country's textile sector. Under the scheme, a significant portion of the total expenditure is being allocated to agencies involved in agricultural research and production, but the Ministry of Textiles has negotiated for a substantial share to be directed towards post-harvest and processing activities.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the ministry will utilize these funds to modernize ginning and pressing facilities, improve lint quality control, and enhance the handling of cotton bales to ensure high-quality raw material reaches textile mills. These measures aim to reduce contamination and deficiencies that currently undermine competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
Experts note that cotton production in India has declined for several consecutive seasons, and yield per hectare remains significantly lower than the global average – factors that have put increasing pressure on raw material supply for the textile industry. Proponents of the mission argue that investment in post-harvest infrastructure is crucial to reversing this trend and reducing reliance on imported cotton.
The implementation of the mission and the release of funds are still contingent on final cabinet approval, which has been delayed since the initial announcement of the scheme. Government representatives have consistently emphasized the need for sustained inter-ministerial coordination to effectively implement the program. This mission is part of a broader government strategy to improve cotton productivity, encourage the cultivation of high-value varieties, including extra-long staple cotton, and strengthen the competitiveness of India's textile exports.