New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- The textiles ministry is reorienting its cotton strategy from protecting crops against pests to improving productivity, targeting a sharp increase in yields over the next five years, two officials aware of the development said. The move is aimed at boosting domestic cotton production and strengthening India's position as a global sourcing hub for textiles.

India's cotton productivity has remained well below the global average of 833 kg per hectare despite having the world's largest area under cotton cultivation. Under the Rs.5,659 crore Cotton Productivity Mission (Kapas Kanti), the Centre aims to raise average cotton productivity from 428 kg per hectare in FY26 to 755 kg per hectare by FY31 through phased annual imp...