Reviving the Technology Mission on Cotton

India plans to announce a revamped cotton technology mission in the upcoming Budget. This initiative aims to introduce the latest technologies to help farmers achieve better yields. The Textile Ministry and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are working out the details. The Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) was launched in 1999-2000 as a three-year program but got extended until it ended in 2013-14. The government spent $50,52 million under TMC during 2000-2010. Since 2014-15, cotton has been included under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), which some experts believe diluted the fiber crop's importance.

Components of the Revamped Mission

The original TMC had two main components: Mini Mission I (MM I) and Mini Mission II (MM II). The government plans to focus on these components over the next five years. MM I deals with research, while MM II focuses on extension work, creating a link between farmers and industry. The Finance Minister is expected to announce funding for the revamped TMC for a five-year period. ICAR has recommended that funding for any cotton research project should last at least four years to yield results. Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh has shown keen interest in rolling out the revamped TMC. He has been in direct contact with top agriculture scientists and ICAR DG Himanshu Pathak.

Financial Allocation and Technological Advancements

Details are still being finalized, but sources suggest at least $60,00 million should be allocated for the five-year period. The government is keen to facilitate easy credit from banks to farmers, with private industry taking care of repayment, adjusted against cotton sales. Singh mentioned that a new variety of technologically advanced Bt cotton might soon be allowed for commercial cultivation. This variety could lower production costs for farmers and increase the area under cotton cultivation. "Trial of HT (Herbicide Tolerance) Bt cotton is ongoing. Upon completion of assessments by ICAR and obtaining necessary approvals, its commercial cultivation can be permitted," Singh told Businessline.

The revival of the Technology Mission on Cotton, with a proposed allocation of $60,00 million, aims to modernize cotton farming in India. This initiative will focus on research, extension work, and the introduction of advanced technologies. The goal is to enhance yields, lower production costs, and support the textile industry, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for cotton farmers.