Kasturi Cotton Bharat is gaining momentum as India strengthens traceability across its textile value chain. Nearly 2.1 lakh bales of Indian-grown cotton were certified under the initiative during the cotton marketing season that ended on September 30.

Certified volumes have increased sharply since the programme began. They rose from 47,100 bales in 2023-24 to 2.13 lakh bales in 2025-26.

Blockchain Strengthens Cotton Traceability

More than 10 lakh bales are now recorded on the Kasturi Cotton Bharat blockchain. The system creates a digital trail from cotton production to the final textile product.

This traceability can help buyers verify the origin and quality of Indian cotton. It is also becoming more important as textile buyers in the US and Europe seek greater transparency in their supply chains.

The initiative was launched in 2020 to strengthen the identity and marketability of Indian cotton.

Export Demand Supports Adoption

The growing focus on traceability is creating new opportunities for exporters. SBT Apparels has procured around 3,000 bales of long-staple Kasturi Cotton from the Cotton Corporation of India for export garment production.

Industry players say Kasturi Cotton can offer quality and traceability benefits. These factors can improve acceptance among international buyers.

Traceability is becoming an important part of global textile sourcing. Buyers increasingly want reliable information about where raw materials come from and how products move through the supply chain.

Kasturi Cotton Adoption Expected to Grow

The programme currently has 124 active registered users, including 33 textile mills.

The adoption of Kasturi Cotton is expected to increase further. Of the estimated 498 lakh bales of cotton production projected for 2031-32, around 132 lakh bales could qualify as Kasturi Cotton.

The growing adoption of Kasturi Cotton Bharat highlights India's efforts to build a more transparent and technology-driven textile supply chain. It could also strengthen the position of Indian cotton and textile products in global markets.