India is one of the world’s largest cotton producers. It accounts for nearly 20% of global cotton production and supports more than six million cotton farmers.
According to Dipali Goenka, MD & CEO of Welspun Living Limited, the next opportunity is to build a stronger global identity for Indian cotton. The focus should move beyond production volume to quality, traceability, responsible production and reliability.
Kasturi Cotton Bharat supports traceable cotton
Goenka said Kasturi Cotton Bharat can support this transition. The programme combines defined quality parameters with QR-based certification and blockchain-enabled traceability.
As of June 30, 2026, 3,29,550 bales had been certified. In addition, 116 units, including ginners and other supply-chain participants, had renewed their registration.
The next phase will require wider adoption and stronger demand from global buyers.
From certification to market value
Certification can create value when buyers actively seek certified cotton. Manufacturers must also be able to integrate it into their supply chains.
Goenka highlighted the need for better quality at the farm and gin levels. This includes improved farming practices, contamination control, scientific picking, proper storage, efficient ginning and consistent testing.
Traceability also needs to become easier to scale. Digital systems can connect farmers, ginners, spinners, manufacturers and brands. This can create a credible digital chain of custody from cotton origin to finished products.
Technology can strengthen Indian cotton
Technology can further improve the cotton value chain. Farm-level data, satellite imagery, AI-based crop advice and digital quality testing can support better production and resource use.
Traceability platforms can also give buyers clearer information about cotton origin and processing.
Goenka said a future bale of cotton could carry a digital identity. This identity could provide information about its origin, quality and journey through the supply chain.
Welspun focuses on traceability
Welspun Living has worked on responsible sourcing and traceability through initiatives such as Wel-Krishi and Wel-Trak®.
Wel-Krishi focuses on sustainable cotton cultivation and resource efficiency. Wel-Trak® uses blockchain technology to provide visibility across the journey from farm to finished product.
According to Goenka, these experiences show the importance of making supply-chain information clear and useful for customers.
Moving Indian cotton from volume to value
India exported ₹3,25,339 crore of textiles and apparel, including handicrafts, in FY2025–26. The country also has a large cotton ecosystem and established global textile markets.
The next step is to create greater value from this existing strength.
Kasturi Cotton Bharat can support this goal by improving cotton quality, provenance and traceability. However, wider participation will require cooperation among farmers, ginners, spinners, manufacturers, exporters, technology providers, government and global brands.
The success of the programme should therefore be measured by more than certified bales. Buyer adoption, farmer participation, quality consistency, traceability coverage and additional market value will also be important indicators.
India has already built a large cotton and textile ecosystem. The next opportunity is to make Indian cotton more trusted and recognised in global markets.
