The Ministry of Textiles commemorated World Cotton Day 2023 by hosting a conference centered around the theme, “Enhancing Quality & Productivity of Indian Cotton through Policy, Innovation, & Technology Upgradation.” In collaboration with the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and the EU-Resource Efficiency Initiative, the event took place at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Auditorium in Goa on October 3, 2023.
The conference, held on the eve of World Cotton Day, brought together over 500 participants, including women entrepreneurs, local self-help groups (SHGs) and clusters, government officials, industry representatives, incubators/accelerators, financial institutions, and philanthropic foundations. Deliberations centered on sustainable farming methods and best practices across the cotton value chain, covering aspects from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. Key discussions included “Enhancing Sustainability & Circularity in the Cotton Value Chain” and “Cotton Mission for Enhancing Quality & Productivity.”
To enhance transparency for both Indian and international buyers, CCI introduced the “Bale Identification and Traceability System” (BITS) using Blockchain Technology. Each cotton bale now carries a QR code for easy tracking, providing information on its origin, processing factory, storage details, and associated quality information.
The Ministry of Textiles also launched the Kasturi Cotton program, a premium certified quality cotton with traceability, overseen by TEXPROCIL in collaboration with CCI. Ginning units across the country are empowered to produce Kasturi Cotton following quality protocols. In collaboration with CCI, CAI, and CITI, the Ministry unveiled the event brochure for the 81st Plenary meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), scheduled for December 2nd to 5th, 2023, in Mumbai. The theme, “Cotton Value Chain: Local Innovations for Global Prosperity,” is expected to draw over 400 delegates and observers from more than 27 countries.
Ms. Prajakta L Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, set the context for the event, highlighting India’s unique position in having a complete cotton value chain. Ms. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary (Crops), Department of Agriculture and Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, emphasized the need for increased cotton productivity and quality to meet industry demand and improve the livelihoods of cotton farmers.
Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, in her keynote address, stressed the importance of addressing challenges to maintain the textile industry’s global leadership in cotton production. The conference outcomes aim to pave the way for increased cotton production and productivity while ensuring sustainability in the cotton value chain.
The exhibition, inaugurated by the Secretary (Textiles), showcased technological innovations for scaling up cotton productivity, including HDPS and closer spacing. Distinguished panelists and exhibitors presented discussions and exhibits on various aspects of the cotton industry, including sustainable fashion, ginning and processing technologies, and the use of remote sensing and satellite imagery in agriculture. In her closing remarks, Ms. Prajakta L Verma, Joint Secretary (Fibre), reiterated the Ministry of Textiles’ commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and growth within the Indian cotton sector through collaborative efforts with other ministries, industry stakeholders, and international partners, especially the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.