Agriculture Minister Announces Key Meeting on Cotton Production, Invites Suggestions from Farmers
Meeting to be held in Coimbatore on July 11; farmers invited to share suggestions via toll-free number
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In view of the low productivity of cotton in the country, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a high-level meeting on cotton production to be held in Coimbatore on July 11, 2025. He made the announcement through a video message as part of the government’s crop-specific consultation and invited suggestions from farmers.
Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that cotton productivity in India is “quite low” and has declined further in recent years due to TSV virus infections in BT cotton. He emphasized the need to develop climate-resilient and virus-tolerant seeds while reducing input costs for farmers.
“Cotton production is declining rapidly, putting our farmers in acute distress. It is our resolve to increase cotton production while reducing input costs as we aim to develop climate-resilient, high-quality seeds that can withstand viral attacks,” the minister stated. He appealed to cotton-growing farmers to share their suggestions via the toll-free number 18001801551, adding that all inputs would be considered seriously while preparing a national roadmap for cotton revival.
This meeting will include representatives of cotton-growing farmers, farmer organisations, renowned scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (including the Director General of ICAR), agriculture ministers from cotton-producing states, state government officials, representatives from the cotton industry, and agricultural university experts.
Sharp Decline in Cotton Output: A Growing Concern
India, the world’s second-largest cotton producer after China, has witnessed a steady decline in production over the past decade. While cotton output peaked at 398 lakh bales in 2013–14, it has since declined significantly due to pest infestations, erratic weather, and the use of poor-quality seeds. According to official estimates, cotton production may dip to 306.92 lakh bales in 2024–25, while domestic demand is projected at around 315 lakh bales.
To bridge this gap, India is likely to double its cotton imports this year, sourcing primarily from Australia, Brazil, and Egypt.
The upcoming consultation in Coimbatore is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future strategy for cotton production and ensuring better outcomes for farmers.
