The Hindu Business Line : ICMF action plan to vitalise cotton sector

THE country's cotton economy can potentially undergo changes for the better if the spirit of discussions at the meeting of key representatives of government, textiles industry, cotton trade and seed companies held here on Friday is translated into concrete action.

Taking stock of the current situation in the country's cotton economy characterised by an unregulated seed market, low yield of cotton, non-standard quality, contamination and high prices all leading to dependence on imports, the unique initiative of the Cotton Development and Research Association under the Indian Cotton Mills Federation (ICMF-CDRA) helped delineate the sector's issues more clearly and seek to work out an action plan.

Highlighting the need for Indian agriculture to become globally competitive post-WTO, the Agriculture Commissioner in the Union Ministry of Agriculture, Dr C. R. Hazra asserted that the Centre's ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders in the cotton economy was helping create a suitable environment for a progressive change.

On the issues relating to seed — too many varieties, suspect quality — Dr Hazra proposed that Government's financial and other supports will be available for only those varieties identified as suitable for cultivation.

Based on inputs received from Government officials, seed companies, trade associations and textile mills, some of the issues that are likely to receive attention include reduction of seed varieties by denotifying many; steps to curb spurious seeds; and raising the present low yields including through use of genetically modified cotton.

Contract farming system was identified as an ideal vehicle for the user-industry to derive benefits of backward linkages. It was pointed out supply chain management for textile mills and strengthening rural infrastructure must receive top priority. Another area deserving close attention was the interface between seed-research and industry.

In his opening remarks, Mr P. D. Patodia, chairman of the standing committee on cotton ICMF-CDRA, said the textiles industry was seriously concerned about the widening gap in cotton consumption and production as well as numerous quality problems.

Mr Ashish Bahuguna, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture; Mr Subodh Kumar, Textiles Commissioner; Mr. M.B. Lal, advisor to Technology Mission on Cotton (MM-III & IV); Dr V. R. Gadwal, Advisor to Mahyco; Mr K. F. Jhunjhunwala, President of the East India Cotton Association (EICA) and Mr Suresh Kotak, past president of EICA; and Dr Rajaram Jaipuria, past president of ICMF were some of the key participants.

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