Raichur MP G. Kumar Naik flags concerns over surge in cotton import, seeks stronger policy support for domestic growers

Expressing concern over the declining domestic cotton production and rising imports, G. Kumar Naik, Lok Sabha Member from Raichur, has urged the Union Government to adopt a stable and farmer-centric cotton policy to protect growers in Karnataka and across India.

On February 11, Mr. Naik said the data furnished by the Ministry of Textiles, in response to his starred question in the Lok Sabha revealed a worrying trend. Cotton imports into India increased by 39% in volume between 2020-21 and 2024-25 while domestic production declined sharply from 370 lakh bales in 2017-18 to 297.24 lakh bales in 2024-25.

He said the simultaneous fall in production and productivity indicated ‘structural stress’ in the sector, and warned that policy inconsistency was undermining domestic farmers.

Mr. Naik pointed out that cotton prices crashed in 2025 after the government removed import duty on cotton at a time when the country was facing global tariff pressure. He noted that cotton exports from the United States to India surged by over 200% between 2023-24 and 2024-25 while imports from Brazil rose by more than 1,000% during the same period.

“India remains the world’s second-largest cotton producer after China, with Brazil close behind. Yet, we are increasingly depending on imports while our own farmers struggle with falling prices and rising input costs,” he said.

He cautioned that if the current trajectory continues, India risks becoming heavily dependent on cotton imports, which could weaken domestic producers and compromise long-term agricultural security.

Highlighting Karnataka’s performance, Mr. Naik said the State recorded the highest cotton yield in the southern zone, above the national average. Raichur, Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts in the Kalyana Karnataka region had significant potential for expansion, provided sustained institutional support and investment were ensured.

Referring to the Cotton Mission for Farmers, for which ₹500 crore was allocated in the 2025-26 Union Budget, Mr. Naik said the initiative did not find mention in the current year’s allocations. This, he said, raised concerns that the programme remained largely on paper without meaningful field-level implementation.

“India cannot claim global leadership in cotton production while allowing its own farmers to bear the burden of inconsistent trade and agricultural policy,” he said, calling for a comprehensive and stable cotton strategy that safeguards domestic growers and strengthens long-term self-reliance.

Cotton is a major crop in Raichur and several adjoining districts of north Karnataka. Thousands of farmers depend on the crop for their livelihood..