Government Unveils Mission for Cotton Productivity and Multiple Schemes to Boost Competitiveness
NEW DELHI (India CSR) – The Ministry of Textiles has announced an ambitious target of achieving Rs. 9 lakh crore in textile and apparel exports by the year 2030. This goal comes amid steady growth in the sector, with exports in FY 2024–25 recording a 5.2% rise over the previous fiscal year.
The announcement was made in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, in a written reply, where he outlined the sector’s recent performance, future strategies, and ongoing government schemes aimed at boosting the industry’s global competitiveness.
Five-Year Export Performance
India’s textiles and apparel (T&A) sector, including handicrafts, has shown resilience despite global economic volatility and tariff disadvantages in some markets.
Table: India’s Textiles & Apparel Exports (Including Handicrafts)
(Values in USD Million)
| Year | Total T&A Exports | Handicrafts | Total T&A + Handicrafts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 29,877 | 1,708 | 31,585 |
| 2021–22 | 42,347 | 2,088 | 44,435 |
| 2022–23 | 34,997 | 1,689 | 36,686 |
| 2023–24 | 34,072 | 1,802 | 35,874 |
| 2024–25 | 35,988 | 1,767 | 37,754 |
| 2025–26* | 8,927 | 399 | 9,326 |
Provisional data for April–June 2025–26. Source: DGCIS
The data reflects a post-pandemic peak in FY 2021–22, followed by fluctuations, and a renewed growth trajectory in FY 2024–25.
Mission for Cotton Productivity
To support this export target, the government has launched the Mission for Cotton Productivity, a five-year programme designed to improve yield, quality, and sustainability in cotton farming.
The mission has three mini-missions:
- MM-I: Kapas Kranti – Focused on productivity and sustainability.
- MM-II: Kapas Kanti – Aiming at quality enhancement of cotton.
- MM-III: Navya Fibre – Promoting allied natural fibres.
The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) will act as the nodal department, with the Ministry of Textiles as a partner. The mission seeks to provide advanced science and technology support to farmers, increase incomes, and ensure a steady supply of quality cotton for the traditional textile sector.
Global Position and Market Reach
India is currently the 6th largest exporter of textile products globally, after China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Germany, and Italy. The sector benefits from a rich raw material base, including cotton, silk, wool, jute, manmade fibres, and a complete manufacturing chain from fibre to finished garments.
Despite facing tariff disadvantages in some markets, India exports to more than 220 countries, demonstrating the industry’s resilience.
Government’s Strategy to Achieve the Target
To meet the Rs. 9 lakh crore export target by 2030, the government has laid out a multi-pronged strategy:
1. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
India has signed 15 FTAs, including the recently concluded Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the UK. These agreements aim to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and simplify procedures for exporters.
2. Export Incentives
- Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for garments and made-ups, ensuring zero-rated exports.
- Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) for products not covered under RoSCTL.
- Financial support for participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets.
3. Infrastructure and Manufacturing Boost
- PM MITRA Parks Scheme – Establishing world-class integrated textile and apparel manufacturing hubs.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme – Focusing on MMF fabric, MMF apparel, and technical textiles.
- National Technical Textiles Mission – Driving research, innovation, and market development in high-tech fabrics.
4. Skill Development and Sectoral Support
- SAMARTH Scheme – Demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling for the textile sector.
- Silk Samagra-2 – Supporting the entire sericulture value chain.
- National Handloom Development Programme – Providing comprehensive assistance for the handloom sector.
- National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme – Boosting traditional crafts.
A Vision for 2030
The government’s ambitious Rs. 9 lakh crore target reflects a vision to make India a global textile powerhouse. With integrated infrastructure, improved raw material quality, skill enhancement, and expanded global trade access, the sector is positioned to create millions of jobs, uplift rural incomes, and enhance India’s global trade share.
If achieved, this target will mark a significant leap from the current export levels, potentially transforming India’s textile sector into a leading driver of the country’s manufacturing and export economy.
(India CSR)
