COIMBATORE, 11 July 2025: In a bid to revitalise India’s cotton sector, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high-level consultative meeting in Coimbatore on Friday. The event brought together senior ministers, agricultural scientists, industry stakeholders and farmers to deliberate strategies for enhancing cotton productivity in the country.
Held at the ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, the meeting saw the participation of Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Vice-Chancellors from agricultural universities, senior ICAR officials including Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, and representatives from the farming community.
Prior to the deliberations, Shri Chouhan visited cotton fields and directly engaged with local farmers to hear their concerns. In his address, he underscored the importance of cotton as a national strategic crop. “After food, clothing is our most essential need. Cotton is not just a crop—it is the foundation of our textile industry and a source of livelihood for millions,” he said.
Addressing Challenges in Cotton Farming
Chouhan acknowledged the stagnation in cotton yields and the threat posed by TSV virus to BT cotton varieties. Emphasising the need for a new technological revolution in the cotton sector, he urged ICAR scientists and seed developers to accelerate efforts in producing climate-resilient and virus-resistant cotton seeds.
“India must not rely on cotton imports in a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Our farmers must be empowered with timely access to high-yielding seeds and modern farming solutions,” he said. He also highlighted the need to balance the interests of farmers and the textile industry, especially around the contentious issue of import duties on foreign cotton.
Policy in Action: Crop-wise Consultations
The Coimbatore meet follows a similar crop-specific strategy adopted for soybean in Indore under the Centre’s Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Shri Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to state-wise and crop-specific development plans, crafted in consultation with key stakeholders.
“The cotton sector is at a critical juncture. With unified efforts from government, scientists, and farmers, we can usher in a second cotton revolution that is sustainable, profitable, and globally competitive,” he said.
