India Bets Big on Cotton: ₹5,659 Crore Mission to Rewrite Farm-to-Fashion Story

In a significant push to revive one of India’s key farm sectors, the Union Cabinet led by Narendra Modi has cleared a ₹5,659 crore five-year mission aimed at transforming cotton productivity, quality, and global competitiveness.

The Mission for Cotton Productivity (2026-27 to 2030-31) seeks to address long-standing issues such as declining yields, pest attacks, and quality concerns. With India currently producing 291 lakh bales , the government now aims to raise output to 498 lakh bales by 2031 .

At the core of the plan is a strong push for high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient seeds. Farmers will be encouraged to adopt advanced practices like High Density Planting System (HDPS) and Integrated Cotton Management, helping increase productivity from 440 kg/hectare to 755 kg/hectare .

The mission aligns with the government’s ‘5F vision’, Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign , ensuring a seamless value chain from agriculture to exports. Around 32 lakh farmers are expected to benefit, with improved yields translating into better incomes.

A major focus is also on quality and global branding . Under Kasturi Cotton Bharat , India aims to position its cotton as a premium and globally trusted product . The plan includes modernising ginning and processing units and strengthening testing infrastructure to ensure contamination-free cotton.

Farmers will also gain from digital integration of mandis, enabling transparent pricing and direct market access. Sustainability remains central, with initiatives promoting cotton waste recycling and circular economy practices.

Overall, the mission is a strategic push to make India self-reliant in the cotton sector , strengthening both farm incomes and export potential.