The Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (Texprocil) will focus on expanding Kasturi Cotton Bharat branding and helping Indian textile exporters benefit from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) over the next two years.

Newly elected Texprocil chairman Ravi Sam said the council aims to increase the volume of cotton that meets the standards required for Kasturi Cotton branding. Currently, fewer than 50% of the cotton lots submitted for branding meet the mandatory specifications and testing requirements.

Kasturi Cotton Bharat promotes quality, transparency and traceability across the cotton value chain. Texprocil also wants international retail brands to recognise its quality and increase its use in global markets.

Sam highlighted the need to ensure that farmers receive a fair share of the premium generated by Kasturi Cotton. Since branding begins at the ginning stage, farmers should benefit from improvements in fibre quality and reduced trash content.

He also called for stronger controls on spurious cotton seeds and a more streamlined list of approved seeds to help farmers make informed choices.

Promoting Free Trade Agreements is another key priority for Texprocil. Sam noted that Indian garment exporters have faced high duties in the United Kingdom and European markets for many years. New FTAs could create better opportunities for Indian textile and apparel exports.

To help businesses make the most of these agreements, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern Region, has started support sessions for exporters. Texprocil also plans to focus on raising awareness and helping textile businesses understand the benefits of these trade agreements.

These initiatives aim to improve cotton quality, strengthen traceability, support farmers and expand international market access for India’s textile industry.