Cabinet Approves ₹5,659 Crore Five Year Mission to Boost Cotton Productivity

New Delhi: Major Push for Cotton and Sugarcane Farmers
The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a massive ₹5,659.22 crore allocation for a five-year national initiative aimed at improving cotton productivity across the country. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Alongside the cotton mission, the government also increased the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2026-27 sugar season from ₹355 per quintal to ₹365 per quintal, offering relief to millions of sugarcane growers.
The Centre said the new cotton initiative will focus on resolving long-standing challenges in production, improving crop quality and strengthening India’s position in the global textile market.
Five-Year Cotton Productivity Plan Approved
According to an official statement, the newly approved Mission for Cotton Productivity will run from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The programme aims to significantly increase cotton output and improve farm level productivity through scientific farming methods, better seed technology and advanced agricultural practices.
The government has set an ambitious target of producing 498 lakh bales of cotton by 2031. Each bale is measured at 170 kilograms of lint.
Officials said the mission plans to raise lint productivity from the current 440 kilograms per hectare to 755 kilograms per hectare during the next five years. The move is expected to strengthen raw material supply for the domestic textile industry and reduce dependence on imports.
Focus on Quality, Research and Farmer Support
The Centre stated that the mission has been designed to address key bottlenecks affecting India’s cotton sector, including falling productivity, pest-related losses and quality concerns.
The programme will also encourage the adoption of modern agricultural technology, climate-resilient farming methods and improved irrigation support in major cotton-producing regions.
Government officials believe the initiative will help farmers improve crop yields while ensuring better quality cotton for textile manufacturers.
Around 32 Lakh Farmers Likely to Benefit
The government said nearly 32 lakh cotton growers across the country are expected to benefit from the scheme. Authorities described the mission as a major step towards achieving self-reliance in cotton production and strengthening rural incomes.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called the Cabinet decision a “historic step” for the revival of the cotton economy.
He said the mission would create fresh opportunities for farmers and support sustainable agricultural growth in cotton-growing states.
Maharashtra, Gujarat Among Leading Producers
Data from the Agriculture Ministry showed that India’s cotton production stood at 290.91 lakh bales during 2025-26.
The top cotton-producing states in the country include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
These regions are expected to play a crucial role in achieving the targets set under the new productivity mission.
Sugarcane FRP Increased for 2026-27 Season
In another important decision, the Cabinet approved an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price of sugarcane for the 2026-27 season.
The FRP has been raised by ₹10 to ₹365 per quintal, which is expected to directly benefit sugarcane farmers and improve returns amid rising cultivation costs.
The revised price will apply to the sugar season running from October 2026 to September 2027. Officials said the increase reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening farmer incomes and supporting the agriculture sector.