To increase India’s cotton productivity, supply of good quality seeds is the need of the hour and requires some concrete action from related ministries on a war footing, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said.
He also stressed the need to introduce advanced technologies related to high-yielding cotton seeds and innovative agronomy, such as high-density planting systems, to enhance the productivity of cotton.
Goyal called upon the textile industry to self-regulate towards branding and certifying Indian cotton ‘Kasturi’ and assured that the government will support the initiative with funds matching the industry contribution.
The textiles minister held the third interactive meeting with the Textile Advisory Group (TAG) on Monday.
He also emphasised the strengthening testing facility needed to conform to Kasturi standards, DNA testing and traceability.
Goyal assured that adequate modern testing facilities would be created through the Bureau of Indian Standards and Textile Research Associations. He appreciated the action taken by the industry and its nominated body to work on the quality, traceability and branding of Kasturi Cotton.