“White Gold: India’s Cotton Story”

The PIB backgrounder ‘White Gold: India’s Cotton Story’ (20 July 2026) details India’s dominant position in the global cotton market – first in cultivated area (114.84 lakh ha, ~38 % of world area) and second in production (290.91 lakh bales, provisional, 2025‑26) and consumption (328 lakh bales). The sector supports ~6 million farmers and 40‑50 million workers, contributes ~19 % of global fibre output, and earned US$ 11.49 billion in export value (FY 25). Key policy measures include MSP operations via the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) – MSP set at Rs 7,710/8,110 ₹/quintal (2025‑26) and increased to Rs 8,267/8,667 ₹/quintal (2026‑27) – and the Mission for Cotton Productivity (Rs 5,659.22 crore) aiming to raise output to 498 lakh bales by 2031. Technological interventions such as the High‑Density Planting System, Closer Spacing System, and the Kapas Kisan app are improving yields (30‑40 % gains) and procurement transparency. The Kasturi Cotton Bharat branding programme (Rs 30 crore) provides QR‑based certification and blockchain traceability for long‑staple cotton.