Symbiotic link between cotton growers and mills necessary
26 Feb '07
1 min read
COIMBATORE:
Symbiotic link between cotton growers and textile mills in cotton sector is yet to materialize due to lack of clear policy and technological support, according to Prof M S Swaminathan, President, National Academy Sciences.
This linkage already exists in sugar and tobacco industries, but not in cotton sector leading to suicide by many farmers, particularly in Vidarbha region, said Swaminathan, while inaugurating Golden Jubilee Technological Conference of South India Textile Research Association here.
The farmers required institutional support to ensure timely and adequate credit, including warehouse receipt and other such provisions.
Proposal to establish National Cotton Council, appointing an overall Mission Director, redesigning Cotton Corporation of India to protect farmers from price fluctuations and expanding export has been put up cotton to the centre, he said.
Technology development should be for small farmer, aiming at high productivity, lower cost of production and risk and high income.