Global cotton prices remain subdued as USDA trims 2026-27 forecasts
Thursday, 12th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
Global cotton price movement was limited in November, with most benchmarks flat to slightly lower and NY/ICE open interest moving from December into March, Cotton Incorporated said.
USDA cut 2026-27 world cotton output by 472,000 bales to 117.5 million and mill-use by 335,000 bales to 122.7 million.
China tariff and reserve-buying signals remain central to the outlook.
Global cotton prices have shown limited movement, with most benchmarks flat to slightly lower, while the latest US Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates lowered both 2026-27 world cotton production and mill-use forecasts, according to Cotton Incorporated's November 2026 Monthly Economic Letter. Open interest has been moving out of the December NY/ICE contract and into March. As that shift has taken place, December prices weakened and dropped below 80 cents/lb, while March held above 80 cents/lb and was trading near 82 cents/lb. More distant NY/ICE futures for the 2026/27 crop year traded at premiums to March, with May 2027 and July 2027 near 84 cents/lb. The December 2027 contract, reflecting expectations for 2027/28 prices, was lower at around 77 cents/lb. The A Index traded between 89 and 93 cents/lb, the letter said. The CC Index 3128B for China decreased slightly over the past month, moving from 118 to 115 cents/lb, or from 17,400 RMB/ton ($2,601/ton) to 16,700 RMB/ton ($2,496/ton), while the RMB was steady at around 6.67 RMB per dollar. Indian prices traded around 90 cents/lb but slipped in domestic terms from ₹68,000/candy ($725/candy) to ₹66,000/candy ($703/candy), coinciding with the Indian rupee strengthening from ₹96 to 93 per dollar. Pakistani cotton prices eased from 81 to 78 cents/lb, or from 18,400 PKR/maund ($66/maund) to 17,800 PKR/maund ($64/maund), with the PKR near 277 per dollar, Cotton Incorporated said.
USDA cuts global cotton forecasts The latest USDA report cited by Cotton Incorporated cut the 2026-27 world production forecast by 472,000 bales to 117.5 million bales and reduced mill-use by 335,000 bales to 122.7 million bales. Revisions to previous crop years left the global 2026-27 beginning stocks figure little changed, down 57,000 bales to 75.6 million bales. With some adjustment for unaccounted change, the net effect on projected 2026-27 ending stocks was a relatively mild decrease of 112,000 bales to 70.6 million bales. Country-level production revisions included increases for Australia, up 500,000 bales to 3.5 million, and China, up 500,000 bales to 34 million. The USDA lowered forecasts for the US by 267,000 bales to 13.2 million, Turkiye by 350,000 bales to 2.1 million, Argentina by 335,000 bales to 0.9 million, and India by 500,000 bales to 23.5 million. For mill-use, the notable changes were Bangladesh, down 200,000 bales to 7.4 million, and the US, down 100,000 bales to 1.4 million. The global trade forecast increased by 100,000 bales to 44.8 million bales, with import revisions led by Turkiye, up 300,000 bales to 5.3 million, and Bangladesh, down 200,000 bales to 7.2 million. There were no export revisions above 100,000 bales, the USDA data showed.US tariffs reshape apparel sourcing The letter said the US election had produced a different political landscape, but its policy implications remained unclear. Decisions linked to geopolitical issues could affect the market, while tariff developments may shift sourcing allocations. Widespread tariff increases now in place were justified by a US investigation into forced labour concerns. Apparel tariff rates have changed sharply since increases began in 2025, especially for China. The average monthly tariff rate on apparel from China was near 70 per cent in May 2025, but the most recent trade data for September showed an average of 33 per cent, less than half that level. Because China saw the steepest decrease of any country, the gap between Chinese tariff rates and those paid on imports from other countries narrowed to near 2024, or earlier, levels. With that separation diminished, apparel imports from China had already increased; in September, the weight volume of apparel imports from China was the highest since spring 2025 for HS Chapters 61-62 on a seasonally adjusted basis, the letter said.
Without Chinese reserve buying, several factors that could push cotton prices outside recent trading ranges tilt to the downside, according to Cotton Incorporated. Geopolitical developments could further disrupt energy markets and fuel inflation. Inflation concerns prompted the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in September, with further increases possible, alongside action by other central banks. Higher energy, food and housing costs could squeeze disposable incomes and reduce spending on discretionary items, including clothing. However, consumers have remained resilient to inflation and rising interest rates in recent years and may continue to find ways to maintain spending, the letter said.
India eyes stronger second half to reach $1 trn export goal
Wednesday, 11th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
India is well on track to meet its $1 trillion export target this year, Piyush Goyal said, citing about $480 billion in exports, or 48 per cent of the annual goal, in the first six months.
Engineering sector growth was around 22 per cent, and October data due on November 15 was described as encouraging.
Goyal also flagged zero-duty EU access by March or April.
India is well on track to achieve its $1 trillion export target this year, the Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said recently, citing approximately $480 billion in exports, or 48 per cent of the annual target, in the first six months. Goyal said exports generally strengthened in the second half of the year and indicated that October export figures, to be shared by the Commerce Secretary on November 15, would be encouraging. He called on industry to move beyond incremental growth and aim for larger expansion. The remarks were made at the curtain raiser for the third edition of Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi, where Goyal also linked export-led growth with India’s manufacturing ambitions and global partnerships, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a press release. Addressing mobility-sector stakeholders, Goyal urged businesses across the value chain to look beyond the domestic market and tap global markets and export opportunities. Combining India’s large domestic market with international demand would help businesses gain economies of scale and become globally competitive in pricing, he said. He expressed confidence in Indian manufacturers’ capabilities, saying companies already supplying Japanese and European automobile manufacturers, as well as the aerospace and defence sectors, had the potential to meet world-class quality standards. The engineering sector had recorded growth of around 22 per cent, Goyal said, urging industry to sustain that pace and treat it as a benchmark for the future rather than a one-time performance. On trade access, He said the European Union’s 27-nation bloc was expected to open up for Indian businesses at zero duty by March or April, creating further opportunities for exporters in the coming year. India was also negotiating with another seven to eight countries, he noted. Referring to free trade agreement negotiations, he said market access in India would initially allow European automobile manufacturers to test demand by introducing a limited number of models. Once demand was identified, manufacturers could set up production in India to serve both the domestic market and export destinations. Manufacturing in India would help companies use economies of scale, access the domestic market and produce vehicles at competitive prices for global markets, Goyal said. He added that this would create opportunities for Indian component manufacturers, startups, steel and rubber industries, and other participants in the mobility ecosystem. The minister also referred to his recent visit to Japan, saying Japanese industry’s response had been encouraging, with several companies showing interest in partnerships with Indian manufacturers to serve global markets. He said the interest included billion-dollar investments in India to manufacture products for the world. India’s domestic market remained a major draw for global manufacturing investments, he said. During the festive season, one million cars were sold during Navratri alone, while about 70,000 cars were sold over the two days of Dhanteras. On Bharat Mobility, Goyal said the initiative had brought together parts of the mobility ecosystem that had earlier organised separate exhibitions at different times and locations. He said this had been enabled by Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, developed with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India an international exhibition destination. The event demonstrated a whole-of-government approach by breaking silos between departments, ministries and states while bringing together industries linked to mobility, including steel, chemicals, electronics, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial and passenger vehicles, construction equipment and tyres, added Goyal. He expressed confidence that the third edition would be bigger and more advanced, and could potentially become the world’s largest mobility exhibition in terms of size and visitors, depending on demand for exhibition space and facility expansion. Goyal urged organisers and industry to market the event globally and aim to attract at least 25,000 international visitors out of an expected 1 million visitors. He said outreach should extend beyond original equipment manufacturers to tyre dealers, suppliers, auto component manufacturers and the after-sales market. He said every segment represented at Bharat Mobility offered opportunities for international engagement and sourcing from India, and urged stakeholders to identify sector- and country-specific opportunities across the global value chain. The first two days of the exhibition have been reserved for businesses, business launches and new product launches, giving companies a platform to showcase their quality and capabilities, Goyal said. He also cited Bharat Mobility, Bharat Tex, Startup Mahakumbh and Bharat BuildCon as large-format platforms that bring together entire value chains and enable India to present its capabilities globally. Referring to convergence in telecom and electronics exhibitions as well, he said India was offering the world a scale it had not witnessed before.
US' clothing spending rises 4.8% YoY in August: Cotton Inc
Wednesday, 11th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
Cotton Inc's November 2026 update said US inflation-adjusted clothing spending was up 4.8 per cent YoY in August, while apparel retail prices were 3.4 per cent higher.
For most trading partners, apparel import tariffs remain 10 or 12.5 percentage points above pre-2025 MFN rates.
Cotton-dominant apparel import costs held at $3.74/SME in September, excluding tariff increases.
US inflation-adjusted spending on clothing rose 4.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in August, more than double the multi-decade average near 2.0 per cent, while average retail clothing prices were 3.4 per cent higher, Cotton Inc said in its November 2026 Executive Cotton Update. The update said sourcing policy questions will likely continue to centre on tariffs. For most trading partners, excluding certain countries with free trade agreements such as those in Central America, current tariffs on apparel imports are 10 or 12.5 percentage points above the most favoured nation rates in effect before 2025. The increases were justified by findings from a Section 301 investigation into forced labour. The average cost per square metre equivalent (SME) of cotton-dominant apparel was unchanged month-on-month (MoM) in September at $3.74/SME, seasonally adjusted, near values posted since 2023, but the figure did not include tariff increases, Cotton Inc said in a press release. The apparel consumer price index recorded strong MoM increases between February and May 2026, briefly flattened, and then rose 0.1 per cent in July and 0.2 per cent in August. Overall inflation-adjusted consumer spending was flat MoM in August, rising 0.02 per cent, and was up 2.5 per cent YoY. That annual rate was near the average over the previous five months and higher than levels seen in late 2025 and early 2026, the update said. Consumer sentiment measures improved recently but remained low by historical standards. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment had a preliminary reading of 51.0 for November, up from 48.0 in October, with recent values near 50.0 described as the lowest recorded since the index began publication in 1952. The Conference Board’s Index of Consumer Confidence increased 7.5 points to 91.7 in October, lifting readings back into the 90-100 range generally seen since early 2025. The latest YoY reading for overall inflation, measured by the consumer price index for all goods and services, was 3.7 per cent in September. The core personal consumption expenditures price index, which excludes food and energy and is a key focus of Federal Reserve policy, was 3.1 per cent in September. The Federal Reserve’s official inflation target is 2.0 per cent, and the update said the gap between inflation readings and that target could motivate further interest-rate increases. Rates were increased by a quarter percentage point in September, the first increase in more than three years, before the Federal Reserve left rates unchanged at its late October meeting. The US economy was estimated to have added 165,000 jobs in October. Previous estimates were revised higher, with August up 53,000 to 133,000 and September up 31,000 to 61,000. With those revisions, the update said the pattern of job growth suggests hiring may have bottomed out in late 2025 and recovered in 2026. The 12-month average was 74,000, up from 10,000 in December 2025. The unemployment rate was nearly unchanged, with the October reading of 4.1 per cent slightly below September’s 4.2 per cent. The update said those values are exceptionally low compared with historical averages, noting that, excluding the pandemic, unemployment has remained below 5.0 per cent since September 2016. Before that, the longest stretch with unemployment this low was about five years, between 1965 and 1970, based on records extending back to 1948. Wage growth continued to move lower. Average hourly earnings rose 3.1 per cent YoY in October, compared with a post-pandemic peak of 5.9 per cent in March 2022. The update said the decline paused in 2024 and 2025 but restarted this year. Inflation accelerated in 2026, and the annual rate of inflation has exceeded the rate of wage growth since April 2026. The update said this may eventually affect consumer spending, but had not yet done so, with consumers saving less to support purchases. Real US gross domestic product growth was 3.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter of 2026, after 2.5 per cent in the first quarter and 2.2 per cent in the second quarter, the update’s table showed, citing the Department of Commerce. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing activity index was 55.5 in October, while its non-manufacturing activity index was 54.5; values above 50 indicate expansion. Industrial and textile indicators were mixed across the latest reported months. US industrial production stood at 104.0 in September on an index where 2002 equals 100, citing the Federal Reserve, while the polyester fibre producer price index reached 171.9 in September on an index where December 2003 equals 100, citing the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bale equivalence of US cotton yarn and fabric exports was 1.5 million 480lb bales in August, citing USDA ERS. The update also listed the Conference Board’s Index of Leading Economic Indicators at 99.6 in September, on an index where 2016 equals 100. Housing starts were at an annual pace of 1.2 million units in September, and existing home sales were at an annual pace of 4.0 million units, citing the Department of Commerce and the National Association of Realtors, respectively.
Farmers Worried as Cotton Prices Fall in Adilabad, Question Centre’s Import Policy
Wednesday, 11th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Farmers worried about falling cotton prices, questioning import policy Adilabad: The continuous decline in cotton prices has increased farmers' concerns. On Wednesday, cotton prices fell to ₹8,850 per quintal at the Adilabad market yard, compared to the government-set minimum support price (MSP) of ₹8,667 per quintal. Farmers had hoped that prices would reach ₹10,000 per quintal this season due to a decrease in cotton production, but current market trends have dashed their hopes. On the first day of commercial cotton trading, the highest price recorded was ₹9,260 per quintal. Farmers allege that they are not receiving the expected profits from the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), forcing them to sell their produce to private traders at prices slightly higher than the MSP.
Kondru Narsingh, a farmer from Yapalguda village in the Adilabad rural division, said that by the time market prices improve, most farmers will have sold their crop. He alleged that private traders are undercutting cotton prices when the moisture content exceeds 12 percent, preventing farmers from receiving fair prices. Farmers say that the second and third harvests of cotton are highly unlikely in the current season. Therefore, even if prices rise in the coming days, they are unlikely to benefit. Meanwhile, Adilabad Market Committee Chairman Boranchu Srikanth Reddy said that efforts are being made to ensure farmers receive better prices than the MSP. He explained that cold and fog are increasing the moisture content of cotton, which is impacting market prices. Srikanth Reddy also blamed the central government's import policy for the drop in cotton prices. According to him, if the central government's import policy had not affected the market, cotton prices could have reached ₹12,000 per quintal this season.
Agricultural Markets Reopen After Diwali; Over 500 Vehicles Expected at Khargone Mandi
Thursday, 12th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Activity Resumes in Agricultural Markets After Diwali Break; Over 500 Vehicles Expected in Khargone
Trading has resumed in the agricultural produce markets (mandis) of Madhya Pradesh following the Diwali holidays. In Khargone, the cotton market—which had been closed for five days—is set to reopen on Thursday. By Wednesday evening, a day before the reopening, more than 200 vehicles had already arrived at the premises. According to the market management, over 500 vehicles are expected to arrive on the first day. Market officials noted that vehicles and bullock carts laden with cotton began arriving as early as Wednesday morning. Following the festival, a large number of farmers are arriving at the market to sell their produce. Many farmers reached the site in advance to inquire about the auction schedule and holiday arrangements, ensuring a smooth process for bringing in their harvest. Farmers explain that arriving a day early helps secure an earlier slot in the auction process, reducing wait times and potentially leading to better prices. This season, cotton arrivals in the Khargone market began on September 7. The peak arrival was recorded on October 12, when approximately 28,000 quintals of cotton reached the market via 1,310 vehicles and 117 bullock carts. This season, cotton prices have reached as high as ₹9,600 per quintal. Highest Influx of Maize at Sendhwa Market Meanwhile, trading resumed at the Sendhwa agricultural produce market on Wednesday following the Diwali break. Maize saw the highest volume of arrivals, with 1,681 quintals brought in via 81 vehicles. Additionally, 271 quintals of cotton arrived across 15 vehicles, fetching a maximum price of ₹8,950 per quintal. Soybean also arrived in 15 vehicles, with a 'model' (representative) price recorded at ₹6,900 per quintal. Meanwhile, wheat arrived via five vehicles, with the maximum price reaching ₹3,050 per quintal. The agricultural market (mandi) administration has urged farmers to ensure their produce is clean before bringing it to the market and to sell it exclusively through the auction process, so that they may benefit from fair pricing, accurate weighing, and cash payments.
Cotton Arrivals Slow in Jalgaon Markets as Farmers Hold Stock Expecting Price Rise After December 31
Thursday, 12th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Slow Cotton Arrivals in Markets; Farmers Withhold Stock in Anticipation of Price Hikes After December 31 Jalgaon: Cotton production has declined this year due to weak rainfall. Initially, farmers were eager to sell their produce, encouraged by favorable prices at the start of the season; however, market sentiment shifted after the central government extended the exemption on cotton import duties until December 31. With prices falling, most farmers have chosen to withhold their stock, leading to a slowdown in cotton arrivals at the agricultural markets (mandis). The original deadline for the import duty exemption was October 31, by which time approximately 300,000 bales of cotton had arrived at the markets. Following the government's decision to extend the exemption period to December 31, cotton prices dropped from Rs 9,500 per quintal to around Rs 8,900 per quintal. Currently, total arrivals remain at approximately 300,000 bales, with only those farmers in urgent need of cash opting to sell their produce.Expectations of a Price Surge After December 31 Industry experts believe that if the government reinstates import duties on cotton after December 31, it could provide support to prices in the domestic market. Anticipating this, farmers are currently adopting a "wait-and-watch" approach. Future cotton arrivals will also depend on price trends in the international market. Private Market Prices Exceed MSP The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) initiated the registration process for cotton procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) starting September 1. However, as prices in the private market are currently higher than the MSP, farmers have shown little interest in registering at government procurement centers. Raosaheb Patil, a farmer from Adgaon in Chopda Taluka, noted that the quality of this year’s cotton crop is good, and he remains hopeful of securing better prices. An increase in import duty concessions has led to a decline in prices. Consequently, farmers have decided not to sell their produce for the time being, opting instead to wait for a potential price rise after December 31.Meanwhile, according to cotton market expert Harshal Narkhede, the arrival of produce at agricultural markets (mandis) has slowed down, partly due to the Diwali festival. Furthermore, the expanded import duty concessions have exerted downward pressure on prices. While some farmers may bring their produce to the markets in the coming week, many others are likely to continue holding onto their stocks in the hope of securing better prices.
USTER WEBINAR : From claims to preventive quality management
Wednesday, 11th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.indiantextilemagazine.in)
There is nothing positive about a quality claim – except for the opportunity to learn from it or from Uster! At the upcoming webinar, Uster shows you how to treat the cause – not just the symptom – and thus how to go from reactive claim handling to preventive quality management.Our experts provide guidance to spinners and anyone looking to expand their expertise. Professionals along the textile value chain – upstream and downstream – can learn about and understand the processes and challenges of yarn production.Join the Uster webinar live on November 18, 2026, or watch it on demand to discover how to identify the real quality issues and how data and analysis can be translated into practical actions.
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Textile innovation from India wins Global Change Award
Tuesday, 10th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.indiantextilemagazine.in)
Stockholm City Hall is no stranger to big ideas. Ahead of the Nobel Prize banquet returning to the Blue Hall in December, ten Global Change Award winners took the stage last night. One of the winners is Agro-Lyocell from India – turning agricultural waste into textile fibres, aiming to make more of an existing resource while creating new opportunities for farmers. Each year, ten winners receive a EUR 200,000 grant from H&M Foundation to develop their early-stage innovation. What made Agro-Lyocell stand out among thousands of applications was their way of challenging where the textile industry looks for raw materials. Agro-Lyocell turns agricultural waste into textile fibres, aiming to make more of an existing resource while creating new opportunities for farmers. In India, around 90 million tonnes of crop residue are burned every year. Meanwhile, the textile industry continues to rely on wood-based fibres that put pressure on forests. Agro-Lyocell responds to both challenges by turning overlooked materials like linseed residue into new fibres. “Every year, millions of tonnes of agricultural waste are burned while the industry cuts down trees for fibre. We’re connecting those two problems and turning waste into a resource”, says Shreyans Kokra, CEO Canvaloop. Shreyans Kokra, CEO Canvaloop Agricultural waste is emerging as a valuable raw material for textiles. Agro-Lyocell uses a part that is often overlooked: the dense, woody fraction of crop residue. While the natural fibres can already be used in textiles, Agro-Lyocell turns the remaining woody material into a new textile fibre, offering an alternative to conventional lyocell made from wood pulp. The team is currently in process optimisation stage, with a laboratory-scale method established for converting agricultural residues into dissolving-grade cellulose. Early feasibility trials have validated multiple feedstocks, with the team now progressing towards pilot fibre production. The Global Change Award (GCA), initiated by H&M Foundation, supports early-stage innovation to help the textile industry halve its greenhouse gas emissions every decade, while promoting a just transition for people and the planet. Since 2015, GCA has supported 66 teams from 24 countries with EUR 12 million in grants. “Handing the Global Change Award to this year’s winners is a reminder of the courage it takes to pursue an idea before you know where it will lead. At this early stage they need room to test, learn and adapt. Our role as a philanthropy is to support that journey with funding and connections that can help the winners move their ideas forward,” says Karl-Johan Persson, Board Member at H&M Foundation.
Indian Garment Exporters Shift Focus to Europe as US Tariff Uncertainty Hits Orders
Thursday, 12th Nov. 2026, by Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.textilevaluechain.in)
Although tariffs have subsequently come down and a trade agreement remains a possibility, Dhingra believes relying heavily on one market carries considerable risk. "Even if there is a deal, what is the guarantee that it will hold water?" he said. "I don't wish to see that sword on my head." Orient Craft is among several Indian companies reviewing their export destinations and reducing their dependence on the US. The shift could strengthen India's position in trade negotiations with Washington while potentially lowering its exposure to US trade pressure over time.
According to Dhingra, US buyers began cancelling orders or requesting discounts after President Donald Trump announced tariff increases in April 2025.Some buyers also asked manufacturers to absorb 25% of the additional duty, even though manufacturers' profit margins were below 10%. Following these developments, Orient Craft redirected sales towards Britain and Europe, while also increasing its focus on India to a lesser extent. The US now contributes less than 10% of the company's sales, compared with 84% before the tariffs were introduced. Its annual exports currently stand at about ₹150 crore ($15.82 million). US duties on Indian products are currently 10% under Section 301, a US law permitting tariffs on imports, in addition to base tariffs ranging from 6% to 12%.
Gokaldas Exports, which employs more than 53,000 people and ranks among India's largest garment exporters, is also increasing its focus on European markets. "It is not a temporary shift," said Managing Director Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi. The company plans to increase Europe's contribution to revenue to 25%–30% over the next 3 to 5 years, compared with the current 15%–16%. As part of this strategy, Gokaldas Exports intends to bring down the US market's share of its business from 50%–55% to 35%–40%.
India's textile, apparel and home-furnishings exports to the US declined during April to August.
According to the Global Trade Research Institute, shipments to the US fell 9.8% to $4.0 billion during this period. In contrast, exports to other markets increased 3.7% to $15.2 billion.
Industry estimates also show that the US accounted for 25.4% of India's exports at the end of August, down from 28.3% in 2022. Exporters have cited uncertainty surrounding US tariffs, increased shipping expenses and demands from American buyers for discounts as factors putting pressure on their margins. These conditions have made alternative destinations, including the UAE, the UK and the European Union, more attractive for Indian exporters.
Trade agreements are also influencing the changing export landscape. Indian clothing products receive duty-free access to Britain under the India-UK trade deal, which came into effect in July.A similar agreement with the European Union could eliminate duties ranging from 12% to 17%, potentially improving the market access available to Indian garment exporters.As manufacturers continue to diversify their customer base, Britain and Europe are becoming increasingly important destinations in their export strategies, alongside the domestic market.
Dr. P.K. Mishra addresses the 22nd Foundation Day of PPVFRA and Plant Genome Saviour Award Ceremony
Thursday, 12th Nov. 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P.K. Mishra, today called for recognising farmers as custodians and innovators of India's agricultural biodiversity and linking their traditional knowledge with scientific research, seed systems and market opportunities. Addressing the 22nd Foundation Day of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) and the Plant Genome Saviour Award Ceremony, Dr. Mishra noted that the occasion marked 25 years of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001.He said India's rich agricultural biodiversity was vital for developing crops resilient to climate change, water stress, pests and diseases, while preserving traditional knowledge, food cultures and community livelihoods. He highlighted India's 22 agro-biodiversity hotspots and cited Koraput in Odisha, recognised by FAO in 2012 as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, as an example of community-led conservation.Highlighting India's distinctive framework for farmers' rights, Dr. Mishra said the Act balanced plant breeders' rights with recognition of farmers as conservers, cultivators and developers of plant varieties. Nearly half of the varieties registered under PPVFRA were farmers' varieties. He also emphasised the role of benefit-sharing provisions and the National Gene Fund in ensuring fair returns to communities conserving genetic resources.Referring to India's scientific capabilities, he noted that the National Genebank at ICAR-NBPGR was the second largest in the world and that around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties had been developed under the National Agricultural Research System. He also highlighted the potential of Geographical Indications in creating economic opportunities for distinctive agricultural products.Dr. Mishra highlighted India's contribution to international efforts on farmers' rights through its engagement with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the 2022 Governing Body session in New Delhi and the 2023 Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights. He also referred to the Indore Declaration adopted by BRICS Agriculture Ministers and the establishment of a Global Forum on Farmers' Rights in Seed Systems.Calling for a shift from recognition to empowerment, Dr. Mishra emphasised strengthening community seed banks and field gene banks, connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific research, and linking farmers' varieties with quality seed systems, Farmer Producer Organisations and wider markets. He called for promoting farmer entrepreneurship and ensuring fair and transparent benefit-sharing so that conservation translated into sustainable economic opportunities.Concluding his address, Dr. Mishra said farmers must be recognised not merely as participants in India's agricultural transformation but also as contributors and beneficiaries of it.Emphasising the need for sustained economic returns for farmers conserving traditional varieties, he observed: “An award honours a farmer once; a seed chain, a market and a fair share of benefits sustain the farmer every season.” He said safeguarding agricultural diversity was a shared responsibility of farmers, scientists, universities, industry, the State and society, and congratulated the Authority and all award recipients.
