Kasturi Cotton Bharat Program (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Introduction
- The Kasturi Cotton Bharat program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Textiles, represents a significant advancement in the Indian cotton industry’s efforts to improve traceability, certification, and branding.
- This initiative aims to enhance the overall quality and transparency of Indian cotton products, making them more competitive in both domestic and international markets.
Objective and Scope of the Kasturi Bharat Initiative
Objective: The primary goal of the Kasturi Bharat initiative is to establish a reliable and high-quality brand of Indian cotton, known as Kasturi Cotton Bharat. The program focuses on:
- Traceability: Ensuring that each bale of cotton can be tracked throughout the supply chain.
- Certification: Providing a certification process that guarantees the quality and authenticity of the cotton.
- Branding: Creating a recognizable brand that stands for quality and transparency in the Indian cotton industry.
Scope: The program is operational nationwide and is aimed at all stakeholders in the cotton value chain. It is not restricted to any particular state or region, reflecting its comprehensive approach to improving the Indian cotton industry.
Funding and Collaboration
Funding: The Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative is backed by a substantial budget of Rs. 30 crore. This includes:
- Government Support: Rs. 15 crores from the Government of India, facilitated through the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
- Industry Contribution: Rs. 15 crores from trade and industry bodies, as outlined in the MoU signed on December 15, 2022.
Collaboration: The program is a collaborative effort involving:
- Government Agencies: The Ministry of Textiles and the Cotton Corporation of India.
- Industry Bodies: The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) and other trade bodies.
Traceability and Certification Technologies
QR-Based Certification:
- Implementation: Each bale of Kasturi Cotton Bharat is tagged with a QR code. This code can be scanned at various stages of the supply chain to verify the cotton’s authenticity and track its journey from production to final sale.
- Benefits: This system provides real-time certification and ensures that all stages of processing are documented, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring quality control.
Blockchain Technology:
- Platform: A blockchain-based software platform is used to maintain a secure and transparent record of all transactions and movements of Kasturi Cotton Bharat.
- Features:
- Immutability: Blockchain technology ensures that records cannot be altered once entered, providing a tamper-proof system.
- End-to-End Traceability: Every transaction, from production to final sale, is recorded on the blockchain, offering complete visibility into the cotton’s journey.
- Microsite: A dedicated microsite with QR code verification and blockchain integration has been developed to facilitate easy access and verification of certifications.
Implementation and Reach
- National Operation: The Kasturi Cotton Bharat program operates at a national level, with efforts to promote and implement the program across all major cotton-producing regions of India.
- Stakeholder Inclusion: The program includes:
- Ginners: All ginners across India are encouraged to participate in the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative.
- Processors and Exporters: The program extends to all stakeholders involved in processing and exporting cotton, ensuring that the benefits are widely distributed.
Empowerment of Ginners
- Registration: Approximately 343 modernized ginning and pressing units have been registered under the Kasturi Cotton Bharat program. This includes 15 units located in Andhra Pradesh.
- Certification: As of now, around 100 bales from Andhra Pradesh have been certified under the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand, indicating early success in implementing the program.
Impact and Future Goals
- Quality Assurance: The program aims to set a high standard for Indian cotton, ensuring that it meets stringent quality criteria and is traceable throughout the supply chain.
- Market Competitiveness: By establishing a recognized and trusted brand, Kasturi Cotton Bharat seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian cotton.
- Transparency and Trust: The use of advanced technologies such as QR codes and blockchain enhances transparency and builds trust among buyers and consumers.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the Kasturi Cotton Bharat program represents a transformative initiative in the Indian cotton industry.
- By integrating advanced technologies for traceability and certification, the program aims to improve the quality, transparency, and marketability of Indian cotton, ultimately strengthening its position in both domestic and international markets.
