(a) whether the Government have allowed the Cotton Corporation of India to import two lakh bales of cotton during 2002-03 season;
(b) if so, the reasons for importing cotton;
(c) whether the Technology Mission on Cotton in its 1st and IInd phase is making good progress;
(d) if so, whether the estimated demand of about 250 lakh bales at the end of Tenth Five Year can be met through increase in both acreage and yield; and
(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI BASANAGOUDA R. PATIL (YATNAL)
(a) Government has allowed Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to import cotton on behalf of mills on indent basis. The CCI will import against specific demand of mills on back to back basis and will not import on its own for keeping any inventory or buffer stock.
(b) To enable such user mills to procure raw material of desired quality parameters at a competitive price, which are not in a position to import on their own. Bulking of orders by CCI ensures economy of scale and better prices in the international market.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) The Working Group on Textiles and Jute Industry for the Tenth Five Year Plan has projected consumption of 215 lakh bales (of 170 kg each) of cotton at the end of the Tenth Five Year Plan. The projected area under cotton cultivation is 94.2 lakh hectare and yield at 388 kg. lint per hectare.
(e) The Technology Mission on Cotton is being implemented in 13 cotton growing States with the objectives of improving production, productivity and quality of cotton. Mini Mission II of the mission primarily focuses on increasing production and productivity through transfer of technology to farmers, integrated pest management, popularizing new varieties etc. Assistance is provided for production of breeder, foundation and certified seeds; distribution of certified seeds; setting up of delinting machines, distribution of plant protection equipment and setting up of bio-agent laboratory, water saving devices like sprinkler / drip etc.