Ministry of Textiles Anchors Post-Budget Webinar Sub-Theme on 'Mission for Cotton Productivity'

1st March 2025, Delhi: Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Post-Budget Webinar on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles today. The event was graced by the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, along with Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of Textiles, and senior officials from various government departments. The session also saw the participation of key stakeholders and experts from the agriculture sector. Following the inaugural address, the webinar branched into multiple breakout sessions focused on various upcoming schemes and missions.

Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of Textiles, highlighted the government's strong commitment to strengthening the cotton value chain. She outlined key initiatives such as expanding fibre testing infrastructure, increasing the production of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton seeds, and further developing the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative to ensure the growth and sustainability of India's cotton sector.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Textiles led a crucial discussion on the 'Mission for Cotton Productivity.' The session brought together senior officials from the Union Ministries of Textiles and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, State Government representatives, industry stakeholders, and leading experts from the textile value chain, including cotton farmers and ginners.

The webinar witnessed active participation from a diverse group of panelists, including industry leaders, policymakers from both state and central levels, eminent scientists, research experts, and farmers. The discussions centered on advancing technology, strengthening market linkages, and fostering innovation in sustainable cotton production. The government's commitment to supporting cotton farmers was underscored, with a focus on leveraging advanced technologies to enhance productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.

The webinar concluded with remarks from the Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who reaffirmed the sentiments shared by the Hon'ble Prime Minister. He emphasized the importance the various Ministries taking coordinated steps to ensure that our farmers are prosperous and empowered.