The World Cotton Day 2024 celebrations, co-hosted by the Ministry of Textiles, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI), and the Cotton Corporation of India, marked a significant milestone for India’s cotton industry. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by Shri Sunil Patwari, Chairman, The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), to elevate Kasturi Cotton Bharat, India’s premium cotton brand, across the cotton value chain—from sustainable farming to textile manufacturing and brand adoption. 

Among the notable agreements was the MoU between TEXPROCIL and a range of companies and associations integral to the cotton sector. These MoUs are set to accelerate the sustainable growth of cotton, boost farmers' incomes, and promote Kasturi Cotton globally. 

Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI, signed a pivotal MoU with TEXPROCIL to promote awareness and enhance the quality of Indian cotton, ensuring farmers benefit from the Kasturi Cotton mark. Under the CITI-CDRA Sustainability Program, launched in Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh, CITI will optimize production across 150 hectares, benefiting 200 farmers. 

Additionally, Ms. Jyoti Kapoor, Country Director – India, Better Cotton Initiative, signed an MoU to support sustainably sourced cotton, reinforcing one of the key pillars of the Kasturi Cotton initiative. 

Shri Kinner Lakhani, Chief Operating Officer of CottonConnect, also joined hands with TEXPROCIL, enabling farmers to align with Kasturi Cotton's quality standards, fostering responsible growth practices and enhancing farmer livelihoods. 

On the manufacturing front, Trident Group and Vardhman Group signed MoUs to adopt Kasturi Cotton for value-added products. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Agarwal of Trident Group committed to utilizing over 500,000 bales of Kasturi Cotton over the next two cotton seasons, while Vardhman Group pledged to process 21,000 bales during the upcoming season. Shri Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Trident Group, addressed the gathering and shared his vision of making Kasturi Cotton the leading cotton brand in the world.  

Furthermore, Shri Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), signed an MoU to promote the brand among its members, amplifying Kasturi Cotton’s presence across fashion and apparel platforms. The Brands and Sourcing Leaders Association (BSL) will also collaborate to enhance the global marketing and branding of Kasturi Cotton, using its expertise to integrate the cotton into contemporary fashion designs. 

These collaborations mark a new chapter in the global cotton landscape, positioning Kasturi Cotton Bharat as a sustainable, premium cotton brand that will shape the future of the cotton value chain worldwide.

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)