SIMA Welcomes Mission For Cotton Productivity
Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Mission for Cotton Productivity (MCP) under the National Mission for Cotton Productivity, also known as Kapas Kranti, with an outlay of Rs 5,659.22 crore up to 2030-31.
In a statement, Durai Palanisamy, the chairman of SIMA, described the initiative as a timely and visionary step that would help revive cotton production, improve fibre quality and strengthen India’s textile competitiveness. He said the mission would enhance cotton productivity, improve farmers’ income and ensure the availability of quality cotton for the textile industry.
SIMA noted that the earlier Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC), launched in 1999, had significantly transformed India’s cotton economy. During its implementation, cotton production increased from around 178 lakh bales to nearly 398 lakh bales by 2013-14, while cultivated area expanded from about 92 lakh hectares to 128 lakh hectares.
However, after the closure of TMC, cotton productivity declined due to reduced policy focus, obsolete Bt cotton technology, rising pest incidence and limited adoption of advanced farming practices. Current cotton production stands at around 292 lakh bales.
According to SIMA, the new mission aims to address these challenges through improved seed technology, mechanisation, pest management and enhanced research and development led by institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
The association added that the mission would also reduce India’s dependence on imported extra-long staple (ELS) cotton and support the country’s value-added textile exports, particularly as nearly 80 per cent of India’s textile exports are cotton-based.
