Gujarat No.1 in cotton production for 2 years

AHMEDABAD : Gujarat has been No.1 state in terms of cotton production in the country in the last two years. The state produced 87.95 lakh bales and 90.57 lakh bales of cotton in 2022–23 (Oct to Sept) and 2023–24 (Oct to Sept) respectively as against India’s total production of 336.60 lakh bales and 325.22 lakh bales in the corresponding periods. Moreover, Gujarat accounted for nearly 30 per cent of India’s total cotton textile export in 2023–24. The information was provided by Union Minister of State for Textile Shri Pabitra Margherita in the Rajya Sabha while replying to questions asked by RS MP Parimal Nathwani.

India’s total cotton textile export in the last two years stood at US$ 11,085 million and $12,258 million in 2022–23 and 2023–24, while Gujarat’s stood at $2,835 million and $3,615 million during the same periods.

Nathwani wanted to know about the total production and export of cotton from the country, steps taken by the government to increase the exports of cotton from the country as well as to promote research work in the field of cotton production. 
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To boost the export of textiles products, the Centre is implementing a scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) on exports of Apparel/Garments and Made-ups. Further, textiles products not covered under the ROSCTL are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products along with other products, the minister elaborated. India has also signed 14 Free Trade Agreements and six Preferential Trade Agreements with trading partners, which would ease access to global markets, the minister informed.