With an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore up to 2030–31, the initiative will also promote the textile sector, which is the largest employment generating sector in India after agriculture. The mission hopes to improve the declining quality of cotton and enhance competitiveness in the global market. 

Its target is to increase cotton production to 49.8 million bales with superior quality over the next five years.

According to data from the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption (COCPC), India tops in terms of area under cotton cultivation, covering 11.8 million hectares. But its production level is 437 kilograms per hectare. Compared to the global average, India’s productivity is significantly lower, which is a matter of concern. 

Cotton Production

Cotton production in the country during 2025–26 was estimated at 33.5 million bales. Major cotton-producing states in India include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

The government claims that under this mission, by 2031 lint productivity will be increased from 440 kg/hectare to 755 kg/hectare, and cotton production is expected to reach 49.8 million bales (each bale containing 170 kg lint). This is expected to benefit nearly 3.2 million cotton growing farmers.

The Central government has also placed strong emphasis on establishing Indian cotton as a premium global product through the Kasturi Cotton Bharat branding initiative. 

This mission aligns with the Textile Policy and the 5F Vision (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign), focusing on increasing cotton productivity through the development of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds that are resistant to pests and diseases.

Key Aspects Of Mission

The new initiative will focus on development of high-yielding seeds and advanced technologies for cotton; promotion of improved techniques such as High Density Planting System (HDPS); better processing methods and modernisation of factories; strengthening testing infrastructure; initiatives for branding and traceability; empowering farmers and strengthening market yards; recycling cotton waste to reduce environmental pollution; and diversification of natural fibres.

Focus On 14 States

This mission will be jointly implemented by the Ministries of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Textiles. 

It will involve 10 institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and 10 centres of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) functioning in various State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) of leading cotton-growing states. 

Initially, the focus will be on 140 districts across 14 states and 2,000 ginning/processing factories.

What is Kasturi Cotton Bharat?

Kasturi Cotton Bharat is a special branding and quality improvement programme launched by the Central government with the objective of establishing Indian cotton as premium cotton in the global market. 

This cotton is purer, has superior fibre quality, and is stronger. Farmers will receive better prices for this cotton, and sales will be based on quality standards. This programme was launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Textiles.

Cotton In Gujarat

A senior official from the Directorate of Agriculture, Gujarat, stated that although cotton production increases year after year, factors such as soil and water conditions are gradually affecting its quality. 

As a result, Gujarat farmers often find it difficult to remain competitive in the global market. The quality-focused mission launched by the Central government is expected to benefit farmers in Gujarat along with those in other states. 

Gujarat’s cotton productivity is 512 kilograms per hectare, ranking second in the country. Gujarat contributes about 25 percent to India’s total cotton production.