GTC, IACR-CIRCOT, Nagpur Hosts Ginners Interaction Meeting to Boost Global Presence of Indian Cotton

The Ginning Training Centre (GTC) of ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Nagpur, organized a Ginners Interaction Meeting on May 7, 2025, with the objective of promoting Indian cotton at the global level and encouraging technological innovations to enhance productivity and fibre quality. The programme was graced by Dr. S.K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT; Shri Bhavesh Shah, President, Vidarbha Cotton Association; Shri Lalit Kalantri of Bajaj Steel Industry Ltd.; members from FAST Retailing; Shri Dilip Thakre, Progressive Farmer; along with representatives from the ginning industry and cotton export sector. Dr. Shekh Mukhtar Mansuri, Officer In-Charge, GTC, welcomed the dignitaries and presented an overview of the programme. He highlighted the importance of introduction of mechanisation in cotton farming. Dr. S.K. Shukla, in his address, compared global and Indian cotton productivity and emphasized the need to improve yield and fibre quality, improving lint percentage, increase exports, and reduce imports through technological advancements and farmer awareness. He also stressed the importance of effective marketing strategies and cotton traceability to strengthen India’s export potential. Shri Bhavesh Shah suggested that ginners should offer premium prices to farmers producing quality cotton. Shri Lalit Kalantri emphasized the adoption of smart technologies to ensure contamination controlled cotton and enhance global competitiveness. Members from FAST Retailing expressed keen interest in promoting Indian cotton globally and discussed opportunities and challenges in the Indian cotton and textile sector. Representatives from the export industry highlighted the growing global demand for Indian cotton, while ginning industry stakeholders emphasized sustainability through technological innovations. The programme also discussed the significance of soil health management and balanced fertilizer use for sustainable cotton production. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Sujan Adak, Scientist, GTC, ICAR-CIRCOT.