NEW DELHI, 10 July 2025: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has convened a high-level meeting in Coimbatore on July 11, aimed at addressing declining cotton yields and the recent outbreak of the Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV) affecting BT cotton. The minister made the announcement via a video message on Wednesday, directly addressing cotton farmers across the country.

Calling the situation “a matter of urgent national concern,” Chouhan said cotton productivity in India remains low and has worsened in recent seasons due to TSV's spread. “We need robust, climate-resilient, and virus-resistant seed varieties to bring stability to cotton production,” he said.

Broad Stakeholder Participation

The meeting will bring together a wide spectrum of participants, including Cotton farmers and farmer representatives; Scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Directors and Vice-Chancellors from agricultural universities; Agriculture ministers from major cotton-producing states; and Industry stakeholders and agri-policy experts.

The focus will be on identifying strategies to develop disease-tolerant seed varieties, reduce input costs, and increase yields through research and collaborative interventions.

Farmers’ Voice Welcomed

Emphasising inclusive governance, Chouhan urged farmers to call in with their suggestions ahead of the conclave. “Your inputs are invaluable. Call us at 1800-180-1551, and I assure you, your concerns will be seriously considered,” he said.

India is among the world's top cotton producers, but rising pest resistance, climatic stress, and now TSV have raised alarms about long-term crop viability and farmer income.

Image credit: cabidigitallibrary.org