In response to the alarming drop in cotton productivity across the country, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is convening a high-level meeting in Coimbatore today. The special session, beginning at 10 AM, aims to develop a national roadmap to boost cotton production and combat emerging threats such as the TSV (Tobacco Streak Virus), which has severely affected Bt cotton crops in recent years.
In a video message released ahead of the meeting, Minister Chouhan expressed serious concern over the current state of cotton cultivation in India. “Cotton productivity in our country has dropped significantly, and the situation is worsening, especially due to the growing impact of TSV on Bt cotton varieties,” he said.
The minister emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated action to revive the cotton sector. “Our farmers are facing a crisis due to declining yields. Increasing productivity and reducing input costs are our top priorities. To achieve this, we must develop high-yielding, climate-resilient, and virus-tolerant cotton varieties through advanced research,” he added.
The Coimbatore meeting will bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including leading cotton farmers, farmer organizations, eminent scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), agricultural ministers from cotton-producing states, state government officials, industry representatives, and experts from agricultural universities.
Chouhan also issued a nationwide call to cotton growers and stakeholders to contribute ideas and suggestions for improving productivity and quality. A toll-free number (1800-180-1551) has been launched to collect feedback directly from farmers. “Your inputs matter. I assure you, we will take your suggestions seriously and work collectively to formulate a comprehensive strategy to revitalize cotton farming in India,” he said.
This cotton-focused gathering is part of a wider initiative by the central government to organize crop-specific meetings aimed at addressing production challenges and identifying long-term solutions for various key agricultural sectors.
As the cotton industry remains a vital contributor to India’s rural economy and textile exports, the outcomes of today’s meeting are expected to shape future policy and research directions for sustainable cotton cultivation.
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