India to promote DNA testing of cotton; Goyal reviews initiatives

The Minister revealed that the project will be launched in partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI). The project aims to create genetic markers for accurate differentiation of both inter- and intra-species cotton varieties. It will also establish protocols for extracting DNA from various stages of cotton textiles, including short and long staple fibre, yarn, grey fabric, unbleached fabric, bleached fabric, printed fabric, and finished dyed fabric. The DNA testing facility marks a significant step towards self-reliance, or Atmanirbharta, as it will be the first of its kind in the country. 

Minister Piyush Goyal evaluated the progress of the project on Traceability, Certification, and Branding of Kasturi Cotton India. He praised the efforts, stating that branding premium Indian Cotton would significantly enhance the value of the entire cotton value chain. TEXPROCIL, the implementing partner for the project, has finalised the branding strategy for Kasturi Cotton. The Indian brand, Kasturi India Cotton, will be launched internationally, positioning Indian cotton textile products prominently on the global map. 

Minister Goyal presided over the seventh interactive meeting with the Textile Advisory Group (TAG) on Cotton, on Thursday to review the progress of initiatives for cotton value chain in Coimbatore. 

Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India will host the 81st Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and urged industry and trade members to contribute to its success. Scheduled for December 2 to 5, 2023, in Mumbai, the meeting will focus on the theme ‘Cotton Value Chain: Local Innovations for Global Prosperity’. Nearly 400 delegates are expected to attend, including 300 foreign delegates from 26 member countries. Additionally, products made from Kasturi Cotton will be showcased, along with the best sustainable practices in the industry. 

Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the advancement of a special project focused on improving cotton productivity. He emphasised that increasing the productivity of Indian cotton is crucial for revitalising the domestic industry. Approximately 9,327 hectares have already been covered under the project's operational area. Goyal suggested that the impact of the pilot project should be analysed to consider its expansion in the forthcoming cotton season. 

Minister of state, Darshana V Jardosh, urged all stakeholders in the cotton value chain to collaborate cohesively to regain supremacy in cotton production. She emphasised the importance of enhancing value returns to farmers through sustainable production methods and implementing traceability throughout the value chain. Industry and textile value chain representatives expressed their gratitude for the minister's prompt and pragmatic approach in addressing their concerns through consultative discussions. 

The meeting saw attendance from key figures such as Rachna Shah, secretary of textiles; Suresh Kotak, chairman of TAG; and senior officials from the ministries of textiles, agriculture, commerce, and finance. Other attendees included the textile commissioner, representatives from the textiles committee, CCI, ICAR-CICR, CSIR-NBRI, APEDA, BIS, and other senior officials from related ministries. The entire textile value chain was comprehensively represented through leading associations and experts in the consultation meeting. 

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)