Parliament Question: Cotton Research Centre

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 414 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21STJULY, 2026 COTTON RESEARCH CENTRE 414. SHRI AMAR SHARADRAO KALE: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to launch any new scheme to promote cotton research, value addition and the export of cotton and cotton-based products in the Wardha Lok Sabha constituency of Maharashtra; (b) if so, the details of the said scheme, the proposed budgetary provision and the timeline for the implementation thereof; (c) whether the Government proposes to establish a cotton research centre, modern ginning and processing facilities in textile and value addition cluster, and an export facilitation centre in the Wardha Lok Sabha constituency; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY) (a) & (b): Yes, the Govt of India has approved the “Mission for Cotton Productivity (Kapas Kanti)” to enhance cotton productivity and production through strategic interventions including research and extension activities in 14 cotton growing districts of the country including Wardha Lok Sabha constituency. Mission also seeks to augment supply of superior quality Indian cotton through improved processing capabilities, robust branding, strengthened value chain linkages and promote cotton export. The Mission has been approved by the Govt. of India for the entire country on 5th May, 2026 with an outlay of ₹5659.22 crore for a period of five years (2026-27 to 2030-31). 1(c) to (e): There is no proposal to establish a cotton research center, modern ginning and processing facilities, a textile and value addition cluster, and an export facilitation center in Wardha. ICAR - Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Cotton centres in Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola; Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri are operating in Maharashtra to enhance cotton production and productivity in different cotton-growing zones including Wardha through development of high-yielding, climate-resilient and disease resistant varieties, and their production and protection technologies. ***** 2