Cotton sector seeks value addition for farmer profit

The cotton industry is calling for a shift towards value addition to boost farmer incomes, according to S K Sundararaman, Chairman, Southern India Mills Association (SIMA). Addressing a cotton conference in Coimbatore, he emphasized the need to double cotton production to 600 lakh bales annually to achieve the government's $350 billion textile target by 2030.

Despite competition from man-made fibers, the growing emphasis on sustainability and traceability presents an opportunity for the cotton sector. By focusing on producing and promoting sustainable cotton, India can command higher prices, benefiting both farmers and the industry.

Industry leaders expressed concern about cotton shortage due to overcapacity in spinning mills. They urged the government to avoid incentivizing new mills to ensure a stable supply of cotton. The conference also recognized the importance of cotton to India's identity and discussed strategies for increasing cotton yields.

Ultimately, the event highlighted the need for collaboration between farmers, industry, and the government to create a sustainable and profitable cotton sector.