Efforts on to promote Coimbatore as 'cotton hub'

01 Sep '12

2 min read

Although the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has never been a major cotton producer, industry stakeholders are eager to promote the city of Coimbatore, housing around 45 percent of India’s total spinning capacity, as a cotton hub.

The spinning mills in Coimbatore procure their cotton from other parts of the country and sell a larger part of their yarn output in other Indian states. It is thus necessary that the city, which is already recognized as a textile hub, also be promoted as a cotton hub, the Indian Cotton Federation (ICF) has said.

In this regard ICF, formerly called The South India Cotton Association, is organizing an All India Cotton Conference under the theme ‘Challenges facing the Cotton Trade and Industry 2013’ on September 1.

The event is expected to draw participation of stakeholders of the entire supply chain, from the seed producers and farmers to the mill sector. Also, some 400 delegates representing a cross-section of traders, ginners, brokers, and spinners would participate.

Stressing on the need for a clear-cut cotton policy, ICF Vice-President and Conference Chairman P Natraj said there is a need for enhancing cotton cultivation acreage. However, there are some risks and complexities as the price volatility is high, he added.

Meanwhile, reiterating his call for setting up a separate ‘Cotton Development Board’, ICF President, J Thulasidharan said such a board with a director monitoring crop output and outlook can greatly help in enhancing cotton output.

A 50-70 percent rise can be achieved in cotton production over the next three to five years, if farmers have access to proper guidance and advanced techniques, he added.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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