NEWS – The Government of India has launched the Kapas Kranti Mission with an outlay of ₹600 crore to boost high-yield, long-staple cotton production using innovative agricultural practices and technology.

HIGHLIGHTS

Objectives of Kapas Kranti Mission

• Promote high-yield, long-staple cotton cultivation across India.
• Replicate High-Density Plantation (HDP) methods from Maharashtra in Telangana.
• Ensure transparent and fair pricing for cotton farmers.
• Facilitate technology adoption and modern agricultural practices.

High-Density Plantation (HDP) Methods

• Planting crops closer together than traditional spacing.
• Increases crop density, optimising yield per hectare.
• Efficient use of resources such as water, fertilizers, and nutrients.
• Particularly effective for cotton cultivation, leading to higher productivity.

Kapas Kisan App

• Mobile application to streamline cotton procurement.
• Allows farmers to book slots for selling cotton.
• Reduces dependence on middlemen and ensures fair prices.
• Enhances transparency, efficiency, and ease of transactions for farmers.

Role of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)

• Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Textiles.
• Procures cotton directly from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
• Ensures fair remuneration, stabilises cotton prices, and maintains buffer stocks.

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

• Government-set price to protect farmers from market fluctuations.
• Provides income security irrespective of market rates.
• Periodically reviewed to reflect production costs and market conditions.

Significance:

• Strengthens cotton farmers’ income.
• Promotes sustainable and technology-driven agriculture.
• Enhances India’s competitiveness in the global cotton market.