New Delhi, October 8, 2024: The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) hosted a grand celebration of World Cotton Day 2024, New Delhi. This prestigious event gathered industry leaders, policymakers, global cotton experts, and key stakeholders to explore the evolving landscape of cotton and its central role in the textile and apparel sector.

The event opened with a powerful keynote address by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, who underscored India’s enduring connection to cotton, calling it the backbone of the nation’s textile industry. He highlighted the sector’s potential to drive rural employment and boost the national economy, outlining the government’s bold vision of expanding India’s textile market to $350 billion by 2030, with cotton at the forefront.

Shri Giriraj Singh stressed the importance of sustainable cotton production and the government’s ongoing efforts to support farmers, improve productivity, and protect the environment. “Cotton is deeply woven into India’s economic and cultural fabric. Through robust collaboration between the government, industry, and farmers, we will elevate India as a global leader in cotton production and innovation,” he declared.

CITI Chairman, Sh. Rakesh Mehra, echoed the Minister’s vision and emphasized CITI’s leadership in advancing cotton research and sustainability. He highlighted the pivotal role of the CITI Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA) in driving breakthroughs in cotton quality and yield.

“Cotton is more than a crop—it’s the backbone of our textile industry, sustaining millions of livelihoods. At CITI, we champion innovation and sustainability in cotton production. By boosting productivity, removing import duties, and solving supply chain bottlenecks, we can solidify India’s position as a global textile leader,” said Sh. Mehra.

Adding to the discussions, Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting the cotton sector. She outlined initiatives to boost yields, adopt sustainable agricultural practices, and provide technical support to farmers.

“India’s cotton sector is transforming. Through partnerships with associations like CITI, we’re focusing on productivity, climate-resilient farming, and sustainable growth. Our farmers are at the heart of this transformation, and we are committed to their prosperity,” Ms. Shah remarked.

Key Highlights of World Cotton Day 2024:

* The session on ‘Decent Work in the Cotton Supply Chain’ explored ways to improve labour standards and welfare for workers across the cotton value chain.

* An expert-led discussion on ‘Evolving Trends in Cotton Farming’ showcased the latest technological advancements, sustainable practices, and climate-resilient techniques being adopted by Indian cotton farmers.

* The session on ‘Cotton Trading and Risk Management’ emphasized the importance of effective risk management strategies to mitigate market volatility and ensure stable incomes for cotton growers and traders.

World Cotton Day 2024 offered an unparalleled platform to address pressing challenges in cotton production and map out a sustainable future for the global textile industry. CITI reaffirmed its dedication to driving research, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring that India remains a dominant force in the global cotton arena.