On July 11, 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, aimed at developing a future roadmap for strengthening cotton farming through modern technology and seed innovation. The meeting took place at the ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute and brought together key ministers, leading scientists, agricultural experts, and farmers.
Ahead of the formal discussions, Chouhan visited local cotton farms and interacted with farmers, listening to their concerns on issues such as pest-infested crops, declining yields, and increasing input costs. In his address, the Minister referred to Tamil Nadu as a "sacred land" and emphasized that a new cotton revolution is beginning to take root in the state. “After food, clothing is the most essential need. Cotton is not just a crop, it is the backbone of our textile industry and the livelihood of millions of farmers,” he said.
Despite India’s position as one of the world’s top cotton producers, the country continues to lag in yield per hectare. One of the primary concerns raised during the meeting was the declining effectiveness of BT cotton, which was once seen as a breakthrough innovation but is now increasingly vulnerable to pest attacks and diseases. Minister Chouhan stressed the urgent need to develop virus-resistant, high-yielding seed varieties and ensure their timely availability to farmers.
“The government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is fully committed to transforming agriculture. Our goal is clear, we must make India self-reliant in cotton production and end our dependence on imports,” he said, highlighting that high-quality cotton is essential for manufacturing globally competitive fabric.
Addressing the ongoing debate between farmers and the textile industry regarding import duties, Minister acknowledged the concerns on both sides. While the industry advocates for reduced duties to allow cheaper foreign cotton, farmers argue that such moves depress domestic prices. Chouhan assured that the government would work toward a balanced solution that safeguards the interests of both farmers and the textile sector.
This meeting is part of the government’s broader Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which aims to formulate crop-specific and region-focused agricultural strategies. Union Minister had earlier chaired a similar consultative session on soybeans in Madhya Pradesh, and the Coimbatore meeting continues that agenda with a sharp focus on cotton.
The meeting was attended by Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh, Agriculture Ministers from Haryana and Maharashtra, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, Vice Chancellors of agricultural universities, scientists, stakeholders, and farmers from across the country.
