Cotton is projected to reach 320-325 lakh bales in 2025-26, says the President of the Indian Cotton Federation
The Indian Cotton Federation (ICF), formerly known as the South India Cotton Association, held its 46th Annual General Meeting on 28th September 2025 at GKS Cotton Chambers.
Thulasidharan was re-elected as President, while Nataraj and Aditya Krishna Pathy were re-elected as Vice Presidents. Nishant Asher continues as Honorary Secretary, and Chetan Joshi as Honorary Joint Secretary for 2025-26.
At the meeting, Thulasidharan highlighted a growing global movement towards natural, sustainable fibres. “Consumers and brands alike are rethinking synthetics and demanding eco-friendly alternatives. This is a moment tailor-made for cotton, and our association will fully pursue this trend—working to position Indian cotton as the fibre of choice in a planet-conscious era,” he said.
Sharing the forecast for cotton production in India for 2025-26, the President stated that the cultivation area is estimated at about 12 million hectares. With favourable climatic conditions, the crop is projected to reach 320-325 lakh bales.
During his interaction with the press, Thulasidharan noted that allocation of funds for cotton research has been very low over the past decade. “While the government previously prioritised food crops, it is now set to allocate Rs. 2,500 crore for cotton research. There is great potential for India to double its cotton yield. With strong research, technology, and implementation, a yield of 500 lakh bales is not far-fetched for India in the future,” he remarked.
Nataraj, in his address, acknowledged that global competition, tariff barriers, and the rise of synthetics remain real challenges. However, he emphasised that the worldwide shift towards sustainability, natural fibres, and traceability presents immense opportunities. “This is where India must lead,” he said.
He further added that with its vast cotton production, strong spinning sector, and integrated textile value chain, India is uniquely positioned to strengthen its role in global supply chains. “Today, the world is looking for reliable, sustainable, and responsible sourcing partners. If we continue to improve quality, enhance efficiency, and align with global sustainability standards, Indian cotton and textiles can become the preferred choice for international buyers,” he stated.
Nishant Asher said that going forward, the federation will aim to strengthen government interaction and expand its direct engagement with policymakers to ensure Indian cotton gets the support it deserves.
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