Lok Sabha Question No. 1119 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-21
Subject: International Cotton Advisory Committee
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: RAMDAS CHANDRABHANJI TADAS

## INTERNATIONAL COTTON ADVISORY COMMITTEE

## 1119.   SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS:

## Will the Minister of TEXTILES

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  International  Cotton  Advisory  Committee  (ICAC),  a  global institution of cotton has estimated in its report ten percent more production of cotton in the year 2017 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether this estimation was correct particularly about cotton production in the country; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken to promote more cultivation of cotton in the country including Vidarbha region?

## उत्तर

## ( )

## ANSWER वस्त्र मंरी श्री अज

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

( a) & (b): Yes, Madam.  The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has estimated 12% increase in world cotton production i.e. 1513 lakh bales in the year 2017-18 as compared to 1352 lakh bales during previous year.  As per ICAC report dated 1.12.2017, cotton production in country (for  2017-18)  has  been  projected  at  366  lakh  bales.    However,  as  per  Government  of  India  Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) estimation, cotton production for this year will be 377 Lakh bales.

(c): Government of India  is  taking  various  steps  to  promote  more  cultivation  of  cotton  in  the country including Vidarbha region as under:-

- i). With a view to promote Cotton farming,  during cotton season 2017-18,  Ministry of Agriculture,  Cooperation  &  Farmer  Welfare  has  fixed  minimum  support  price  for medium staple length cotton at Rs. 4020/- per quintal and for long staple at Rs. 4320/per quintal.
- ii). Cotton  Corporation  of  India  (CCI)  Limited  has  been  entrusted  with  procurement  of cotton from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) to protect the interest of farmers by giving MSP to their produce to avoid distress sale.
- iii). Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is implementing Cotton Development  Programme  with  a  focus  on  cropping  system  approach  under  National Food Security Mission (NFSM)  in 15 major cotton growing states including Maharashtra  from  2014-15  with  an  aim  for  enhancing  production  and  productivity. Under the scheme, thrust is  given  for transfer  of  latest  technology  to  cotton  growers through  Front  Line  Demonstration  (FLD)  on  Integrated  Crop  Management  (ICM), Intercropping  &  Desi/Extra  Long  Staple  Cotton  and  trails  on  High  Density  Planting System.  The scheme is being implemented through State Department of Agriculture (SDA), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) etc., From 2015-16, NFSM is being implemented on sharing basis between Government of India and States on 60:40 basis for general category states & 90:10 basis for North East & Hilly states.  However, the  Central  Agencies  are  funded  100%  by  Government  of  India.  Besides,  States  can support cotton development programme under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) with the approval of State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary of the State.