In a significant move aimed at promoting the quality and traceability of Indian cotton, Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Textile, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, and Food & Public Distribution, unveiled the official website of 'Kasturi Cotton Bharat' on https://kasturicotton.texprocil.org.
The launch marks a critical milestone in the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative, which seeks to enhance India's cotton's competitiveness on the global stage and create a sustainable ecosystem for all stakeholders involved.
Kasturi Cotton Bharat is a collaborative venture between the Ministry of Textiles, the Cotton Corporation of India, Trade Bodies, and the Textile Industry. It operates on the principles of self-regulation, where stakeholders assume complete responsibility for branding, traceability, and certification of Indian cotton. This approach aims to position Indian cotton as a premium and trusted product in international markets.
The birth of ‘Kasturi Cotton Bharat’ can be traced back to World Cotton Day, celebrated on October 7th. The Ministry of Textiles officially introduced the brand, endowed with a logo that symbolizes Whiteness, Softness, Purity, Lustre, and Indianness. Subsequently, an MoU was inked on December 15, 2022, between the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) on behalf of the Indian government and TEXPROCIL representing the Textile Industry. This agreement formalized a mission-driven strategy for the promotion of Kasturi Cotton Bharat.
One of the key features of this initiative is its inclusivity. All cotton ginners across the nation are empowered to produce the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand by adhering to specified protocols. To ensure complete traceability of Kasturi Cotton Bharat throughout the supply chain, cutting-edge technology is being employed. QR-based certification technology will be utilized at every stage of processing, and a blockchain-based software platform will provide end-to-end traceability and transaction certificates.
During the launch event, Union Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal expressed that with the Kasturi Cotton Bharat Initiative, they were not just launching a brand but sharing India's rich heritage with the world. He encouraged everyone to weave a future that echoed the past. In a global environment characterized by intense competition, he noted that this initiative was strategically positioning Indian cotton on the world map for its superior quality standards and unwavering commitment to best practices.
As the project unfolds, it is likely to enhance the global standing of Indian cotton, benefiting all stakeholders involved in the cotton value chain.
