The Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme, launched by the Ministry of Textiles, is an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing traceability, certification, and branding of Indian cotton. This programme represents a significant step forward in ensuring the quality and origin of Indian cotton, which is a crucial part of India's agricultural and economic landscape.
Key Features of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat Programme:
- Collaboration: The programme is a collaboration between the Government of India (through the Cotton Corporation of India), trade bodies, and the cotton industry. This collective effort is designed to improve cotton traceability and certification processes across the country.
- Microsite and QR Code Verification: To enable end-to-end traceability, a microsite has been developed that allows consumers and stakeholders to verify cotton transactions through QR codes. This digital platform, supported by a blockchain-based system, ensures transparency and secure certification of cotton transactions, making it easier to track the cotton's journey from farm to market.
- Promotion: The Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme is promoted both nationally and internationally, enhancing the global reputation of Indian cotton. The initiative focuses on building a distinctive brand for Indian cotton that highlights its quality, authenticity, and traceability.
- Registration and Certification:
- 343 modernised ginning and pressing units are registered under the programme, which include 15 units from Andhra Pradesh.
- Around 100 bales from Andhra Pradesh have already been certified under the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand, ensuring they meet the program's traceability and quality standards.
Importance of Cotton in India:- Economic Significance: Cotton is a vital crop in India, often referred to as "White Gold" due to its immense economic value. India contributes to 25% of global cotton production, making it one of the largest producers of cotton worldwide.
- Growing Conditions: Cotton thrives in hot, sunny climates and can grow in a variety of soil types, though it is highly sensitive to waterlogging. This makes it a climate-dependent crop that requires careful water management to achieve optimal yields.
Key TakeawaysThe
Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme is a significant step towards improving the
global competitiveness of Indian cotton by ensuring
quality, traceability, and
branding. Through technological advancements like
QR code verification and
blockchain platforms, the programme offers
transparency and guarantees to both domestic and international buyers about the authenticity of the cotton they purchase. This initiative is expected to improve the overall cotton supply chain, support farmers, and bolster India's position in the global cotton market.
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