India’s Cotton Sector Set for Boost as VP Urges Faster Tech Adoption

New Delhi – Vice‑President C. P. Radhakrishnan reviewed the Cotton Revolution Mission on July 7, receiving a comprehensive briefing from Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles. The mission outlines a three‑stage roadmap designed to raise per‑acre cotton yields, guarantee premium quality fibre and promote environmentally sound textile practices.

The first stage stresses the role of scientific research, modern equipment and data‑driven agronomy to push productivity beyond current benchmarks. In the second stage, initiatives such as the "Kasturi Cotton Certification" and the "Farmer Cotton App" will create a transparent, traceable market for superior cotton and equip growers with actionable insights.

The third stage encourages the textile industry to experiment with new natural fibres, fostering innovation and sustainable growth.

The Vice President commended the mission’s comprehensive approach but warned that delays in policy clearance could undermine its impact. He advocated for a streamlined, deadline‑driven approval system so that breakthroughs in research reach the field without unnecessary lag.

He also called for explicit, measurable targets that would allow India to compete with top cotton‑producing nations. By raising yields, the VP argued, farmer incomes would improve, manufacturers would obtain higher‑quality raw material, and the country’s export footprint would expand.

To amplify the mission’s reach, the Vice President suggested leveraging television documentaries and other mass‑communication channels to showcase successful pilots, thereby motivating wider farmer participation and stakeholder buy‑in.