Mission for Cotton Productivity

Announced in Budget 2025-26, the Mission for Cotton Productivity targets two things: the productivity and sustainability of cotton cultivation, and the promotion of extra-long staple (ELS) varieties.

ELS cotton matters because India's textile industry imports it. Indian cotton is mostly medium staple; the premium end of the market needs longer fibre, and mills currently buy that from abroad. Growing it domestically means a higher price for the grower and less import for the mill.

The official compilation confirms the mission's objectives but does not publish its components, assistance rates or the states where it operates. Those details decide whether you can take it up, so confirm with your state agriculture department or the Cotton Corporation of India.

• Support for raising cotton productivity and the sustainability of cotton cultivation.
• Promotion of extra-long staple varieties, which command a premium over medium staple cotton.

The mission's detailed component list and assistance rates are set out in its guidelines and the state action plans. Ask your district agriculture office which components are open in your district.

• Cotton-growing farmers.
• The specific districts, components and eligibility conditions come from the mission guidelines and your state's plan. Confirm locally.

• Component availability depends on your state's plan and your district.
• Before switching to an extra-long staple variety, confirm two things: that it suits your agro-climatic conditions and irrigation, and that there is a buyer or ginner near you who pays the ELS premium. ELS cotton sold into a medium-staple market earns no premium, which defeats the purpose.

How to apply

1. Ask your district agriculture office whether the mission is operating in your district and which components are available.
2. For ELS varieties, ask about seed availability and about the nearest buyer who pays an ELS premium before you commit area.
3. The Cotton Corporation of India is the central agency for cotton procurement, and is the place to ask about procurement arrangements.

Cotton Corporation of India official website

• Land record
• Aadhaar and bank account details
• Crop and sown area details