TextilesResources.com: Give us an overview of Cotton Association of India, its main objectives and your vision.
Mr. Atul Ganatra: The Cotton Association of India (CAI) is the apex body representing the entire cotton value chain – from farmers and ginners to traders, mills, and exporters. We promote fair trade, provide authentic crop and market data, and act as a bridge between industry and policy makers. CAI also supports better practices through guidance and regular outreach. Our vision is to make India not only the largest cotton producer but also the most respected for quality, reliability, and sustainability in the global market.
TextilesResources.com: What is your view about India’s textile industry? Especially Cotton products. Current capacity, expansion possibility, challenges, potential etc.
Mr. Atul Ganatra: India’s textile industry, with cotton as its backbone, is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world. We already have extensive spinning, weaving, and processing capacities with a strong domestic and export base. There is significant scope for expansion through modernization and branding initiatives. While challenges in productivity and international price competition exist, they are being steadily addressed by stakeholders. With focused efforts on skill building and quality enhancement, Indian cotton products are well positioned to achieve a stronger premium status globally.
TextilesResources.com: Transparency, eco friendly, sustainability and traceability – how you define these terms with Cotton Association of India members?
Mr. Atul Ganatra: For CAI members, transparency means sharing accurate data, ensuring fair pricing, and maintaining clarity in trade practices. Eco friendly reflects our drive toward practices that save resources and support a cleaner environment. Sustainability is about securing long term benefits for farmers and the industry; our training sessions for farmers and ginners have already made a positive impact across many cotton growing regions. Traceability is strengthened by working with TEXPROCIL, which offers the only authentic traceability solution in India, giving our cotton a verifiable identity from farm to fabric. Together with the premium branding of Kasturi Cotton, these steps are elevating the global image of Indian cotton.
TextilesResources.com: The world average of cotton crop is 800 kg per hectare and it is almost half in India, about 480 kg, thus the earning is also down, what about CAI’s members and the farmers associated with CAI? And what is your strategy to upgrade?
Mr. Atul Ganatra: Although India’s yield is lower than the world average, CAI has been working consistently to improve the situation for farmers connected with our members. Through focused training programs, we guide farmers and ginners on improved methods and better utilization of inputs, which leads to higher productivity and quality. When these efforts are linked with traceability and branding initiatives like Kasturi Cotton, farmers are able to secure better prices and market recognition. We also acknowledge the positive role of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), which not only safeguards farmers through Minimum Support Price operations but also undertakes large scale procurement which helps in maintaining stocks, and ensures that quality cotton is made available in the market on time. CCI’s consistent presence in the market has given farmers confidence and has contributed immensely to the cotton sector.
TextilesResources.com: Your say about the various schemes, steps and vision of Ministry of Textile, GOI. Your opinion about Bharat Tex trade show.
Mr. Atul Ganatra: The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has taken several visionary steps to strengthen the cotton and textile ecosystem and its efforts have been both progressive and deeply impactful. Among the most significant initiatives is the Technology Mission on Cotton, which has now moved into an advanced phase known as TMC 2.0. This phase is focused on modernizing ginning and pressing factories with advanced machinery to ensure better lint quality and reduced wastage, promoting quality testing infrastructure so that Indian cotton can meet stringent international standards, and supporting farmers through training and extension services so that they adopt improved practices in picking, handling and storage. These initiatives also emphasize sustainable farming methods, creating long-term benefits for the entire value chain. The role of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) in implementing and supporting these measures has been exceptional. Through its procurement drives under the Minimum Support Price framework, CCI has been crucial in maintaining market stability.
In addition, the Ministry’s encouragement for branding initiatives such as Kasturi Cotton Bharat reflects a forward looking approach that goes beyond production and focuses on positioning Indian cotton as a premium, traceable and sustainable brand in international markets. CAI has been actively involved in promoting Kasturi Cotton among its members and aligning testing and certification systems to meet these requirements. On the outreach front, the recently concluded Bharat Tex 2025 was a landmark event that showcased India’s textile leadership on a global stage. A key highlight was the Masterclass on “Branding of Indian Cotton – Conceptualization of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat Programme,” where the CEO of CAI was one of the key speakers and shared insights on how branding and quality improvement can uplift India’s profile in the world cotton market. Overall, the Ministry’s schemes, the vision of TMC 2.0, the consistent and positive contribution of CCI, and the proactive initiatives of CAI together are shaping a future where Indian cotton will be globally recognized for excellence, reliability and sustainability.
TextilesResources.com: Any message for the industry professionals and viewers of Textilesresources.com
Mr. Atul Ganatra: To all industry professionals and valued viewers of Textilesresources.com, the cotton and textile sector is entering a phase where quality, innovation and responsibility will define long term success. I would encourage everyone across the value chain to remain committed to continuous learning, to adopt modern practices and technologies, and to stay updated with evolving global standards. Collaboration between farmers, ginners, traders, mills and exporters is more important than ever, as a strong and transparent supply chain benefits everyone involved. It is equally vital to focus on sustainability and traceability, not just as compliance requirements but as core values that add credibility and market strength. Above all, let us approach every step of our work with integrity and a long term vision so that Indian cotton and textiles continue to earn respect and preference in markets around the world.