India’s New Global Positioning in Textiles |
When we speak of India’s textile sector, we are not merely referring to factories, machines and fashion. We are talking about the lives of millions of Indians whose daily reality is rooted in cotton fields, handlooms, power looms and sewing machines.
Over the last 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the sector has witnessed a strategic vision, strong resolve and bold policy reforms. These efforts have infused new confidence into the textile industry. Today, the impact of recent reforms is not just structural change. It is a story of new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, women, weavers, technicians and the youth. It is a collective mission to position India as a global textile powerhouse. This article is not a list of schemes, but a reflection of the transformation we have built together.
Farmer-Centric Transformation: Record Cotton Procurement and Historic MSP Increase
The foundation of the textile sector lies in the fields, and farmers are the first link in this value chain. Ensuring that cotton farmers are protected from market fluctuations, price uncertainty and exploitative intermediaries has always been a top priority.
This is why, between 2004 and 2014, government agencies procured a total of 173 lakh cotton bales. But between 2014 and 2024, this figure rose to 473 lakh bales, an increase of 173%. This demonstrates that the government has moved beyond seasonal procurement and provided farmers a system of sustained security.
Similarly, major reforms in MSP have given farmers long-term stability. Cotton MSP, which stood at ₹3,700 per quintal in 2013-14, has been raised to ₹7,710 per quintal for 2025-26 an increase of 108%, strengthening the income, confidence and security of cotton growers.
When we say the farmer is protected, it is not a slogan. These numbers reflect a genuine guarantee that the government is procuring more cotton than ever before and ensuring a remunerative price for farmers.
Mission for Cotton Productivity: Quality, Productivity and New-Age Fibres
Higher production is not enough,........