Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh indicates, the government will approve a highly advanced type of Bt cotton for commercial cultivation. He also highlights the textile ministry’s efforts to leverage Self-Help Group (SHG) members to address labor shortages in the sector.
The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) is currently conducting trials of HT (Herbicide Tolerance) Bt cotton, also known as BG III, explains Singh. Upon the completion of these assessments and requisite approvals, commercial cultivation of this Bt Cotton variety willcommence, he adds.
This new variety of Bt cotton holds potential to enhance textile production and reduce farmers' costs by promoting wider cultivation across regions.
It is important to boost cotton output for the growth of India's textile and apparel sector, which currently stands at approximately $168 billion, exphasises Singh. Growing at a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent, the textile sector in India aims to reach $350 billion by 2030, he affirms.
