💡 Govt's Revival plan for the cotton industry
India's cotton Industry, the 2nd largest in the world, is crippling with challenges. How is the govt. planning to revive it?
We won't be exaggerating when we say that white gold is the very fabric of our nation.Â
We all own a piece of it. The livelihood of 5-6 crore people depends on it. And we are set to export $100Bn worth of this very precious element by 2030.
Now before your mind wanders to glittering jewels, let us clarify we're not discussing precious metals here.Â
Our focus is on the soft, white, fluffy Cotton.
Cotton is known as India's ‘white gold’.
And the government has announced a game-changing move in the cotton textile industry.Â
It is going to approve the setting up of 10-11 cotton testing labs across the country with an investment of $6-7 Million!
What exactly does this mean? And how is this a game-changer?Â
Read on, as we weave this story.Â
Did you know?Â
India's relationship with cotton is as deep-rooted as its history.
India has the largest area under cotton cultivation, with 120.69 lakh hectares area under cotton cultivation. That's a massive 36% of the world's cotton cultivation area!
India is the second largest producer of cotton in the world (after China).Â
India accounts for 25% of the global cotton production.Â
Major cotton producing areas?Â
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
About two-thirds of cotton comes from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana - collectively known as the Cotton Basket of India.Â
And the Indian textile industry?Â
It's a colossal giant, set to achieve $250Bn by 2030, including $100Bn worth of exports.Â
In fact, 74% of the apparel exported from India is made of cotton.Â
And this industry is as diverse as our country.Â
From hand-spun and hand-woven textiles to capital-intensive sophisticated mills, the textile industry has it all.Â
Starting to realise how important this industry is for the economy?Â
Well, it is a direct lifeline to 60 lakh cotton farmers and about 4-5 crore people in related activities like cotton processing and trade.Â
Challenge Struck Cotton Industry
These numbers are enough to stress on the importance of the cotton industry for India's economy.Â
Yet, the industry is plagued with challenges.Â
While we have the largest area under cotton cultivation, we are not the largest producers of cotton.Â
Wondering why?Â
Well, our productivity is significantly lower than other cotton-producing nations. This is mostly because of the outdated farming techniques, suboptimal seed quality and insufficient irrigation systems.Â
Add to this, insect infection (due to poor soil quality, adverse weather, and inefficient pesticide control) that affects both yield quality and quantity.Â
Result?Â
Low-quality yield results in low incomes for farmers. On the other hand, they have to bear high costs of inputs like seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.Â
While the industry itself is challenging, Covid left the industry in turmoil.Â
Textile production and exports declined, thanks to changing economic conditions of the US and the UK, and increasing competition from other exporting countries.Â
In FY 2022-23, India’s cotton exports were recorded at US$ 5.7 billion, a decline by 47.5% YoY.
Government to the RescueÂ
Given this dire state, the government has launched several initiatives and schemes to support the cotton and textile industry.Â
One such initiative is: setting up 10-11 testing labs across India.Â
These aren't just buildings with equipment; they're catalysts of change.Â
These labs will ensure high quality of cotton and textiles for both domestic consumers as well as for export markets.
Here's how:Â
1. Enhancing Quality and Global Competitiveness
Textile Testing & Quality Control (TTQC) is crucial, especially for an export-oriented industry.Â
After all, quality is what international buyers hunt for. Not quantity.Â
The new labs will ensure that the quality of raw materials, production processes, and final products meet the highest standards.Â
This shift from quantity to quality could further increase our textile exports (India is currently the third largest exporter of textiles and apparels in the world).Â
2. Boosting Farmer's Livelihood and Sector's Value
These labs, fully funded by the government, are set to be a blessing for farmers and the private sector.Â
By facilitating better quality cotton production, farmers can fetch higher prices, enhancing their livelihoods.Â
This move is crucial in a country where the ratio of cotton to non-cotton fibres is approximately 60:40, higher than the global average.Â
3. Fostering Innovation and Sustainability
The labs signify a leap towards modernisation and sustainability in the cotton industry.Â
With meticulous planning, advanced equipment, and continuous inspection, these labs will ensure that every thread spun is a thread of excellence.
In essence, these labs will serve as the backbone of quality assurance across the entire textile production chain.
Located in different parts of the country, the labs will ensure a farm-to-home supply chain for consumers.Â
The government is also supporting the launch 'Kasturi Cotton Bharat' brand, a premium quality cotton brand to offer 100% traceability and certification.Â
The Indian government's move to set up these testing laboratories is a strategic step towards global dominance.Â
It's an investment not just in technology, but in the very fabric of the industry and the millions whose lives are interwoven with it.
Can this move save our Indian cotton industry from more challenges? Could this be the blueprint for a broader revolution across the Indian textile industry?