(a) whether the Government proposes to take special measures to boost the production and export of cotton;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the export of cotton during the last three years and current year, country, amount and value-wise;
(d) whether the Government has taken steps to make online payments of Minimum Support Price (MSP) directly to the bank accounts of cotton farmers; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) & (b): Cotton is an agricultural produce and measures to promote and increase production of cotton falls under the domain of Ministry of Agriculture. The Government has taken various measures like transfer of technology and improved farm practices by way of Cotton Extension Schemes, Grow More Cotton campaign, Intensive Cotton Development Program (ICDP) and setting up of Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC) in 2000 coupled with release of Bt seeds for commercial cultivation in 2002-03. At present, the Government of India is promoting High Density Planting System (HDPS) for increase in productivity. Cotton exports are currently under Open General License (OGL) and registration requirement for export of cotton has also been dispensed with effect from 8th December, 2014. Further, Ministry of Finance vide Notification No. 110/2014-Customs (N.T) dated 17th November, 2014 has notified duty drawback of 1% for export of raw cotton.
(c): The export of cotton during the last three years and current year, country, amount and value-wise is placed at Annexure I, Annexure II and Annexure III.
(d) & (e): Yes Madam. The Government has issued directions for payment to farmers through online system. Agricultural Market Committee (AMCs) are directed to transmit all the necessary documents along with correct information of farmers bank account details. Online payment to farmers is already functional in some CCIs purchase centres