Exploring India's Kasturi Cotton Initiative

Kasturi Cotton: India’S QUEST FOR A GLOBAL COTTON BRAND

SYNOPSIS

Kasturi Cotton Bharat, launched in 2022, aims to position India as a global leader in premium long-staple cotton, competing with Egypt’s Giza and America’s Supima. Despite production rising from 45,000 tonnes to 1.10 lakh tonnes, the initiative faces challenges due to a shortage of certified testing labs and quality infrastructure. Without timely certification, India risks losing credibility in international markets and undermining its goal of building a trusted, high-grade cotton brand.

FAQs

1. What is Kasturi Cotton Bharat?

Kasturi Cotton Bharat is India’s premium cotton initiative launched by the Ministry of Textiles to create a globally recognised brand representing quality and purity. The aim is to transition India from a supplier of short-staple, lower-quality cotton to a source of high-grade, long-staple fibre.

2. Why was this initiative introduced?

The project was started to enhance India’s reputation in the global cotton market, dominated by brands such as the US’s Supima and Egypt’s Giza. It reflects India’s ambition to export cotton that meets international quality standards.

3. How much has Kasturi cotton production grown?

Production has increased sharply from 45,000 tonnes to 1.10 lakh tonnes in two years, signalling strong interest and capacity growth among Indian farmers.

4. What challenges does the initiative face?

The main obstacle is the lack of adequate testing and certification facilities. India currently has only four NABL-accredited labs capable of testing Kasturi cotton:

• ATIRA, Ahmedabad
• BTRA, Mumbai
• NITRA, New Delhi
• SITRA, Coimbatore

5. Why is testing and certification important?

Testing ensures cotton meets parameters like fibre strength, staple length, moisture, and trash content. Certification is essential for traceability, authenticity, and securing premium pricing in global markets.

6. How does the delay in testing affect the market?

Slow certification disrupts export schedules, preventing producers from meeting premium buyers’ requirements on time. This may lead to financial losses and erode global confidence in the brand.

7. What role does farm-level quality control play?

Experts emphasise proper harvesting and storage practices, including using gloves and hair masks during plucking, to prevent contamination and ensure low trash levels.

8. How is the government responding to these issues?

The Ministry of Textiles plans to expand the number of NABL-accredited labs and streamline certification processes. Several new lab proposals are under review to support Kasturi Cotton’s growing output.

9. What makes long-staple cotton valuable internationally?

Longer fibres, typically 29–30 mm, produce stronger, smoother, and more durable fabrics. They are in demand for high-end textiles and fashion exports, fetching higher prices globally.

10. What is the significance of Kasturi Cotton for India’s textile exports?

Kasturi Cotton represents India’s move up the value chain—from exporting raw cotton to branded, quality-assured fibre. It aims to boost India’s export earnings and enhance its international image in the textile sector.