The Indian government has announced a temporary exemption of all customs duties on cotton imports, effective from June 1, 2026, until October 31, 2026. This initiative is designed to reduce input costs in the textile and apparel sector, providing targeted relief to manufacturers and consumers while considering the interests of domestic farmers. The Ministry of Finance emphasized that this move aims to enhance the availability of cotton for the Indian textile industry. Additionally, the government has approved ₹5,659.22 crore for the Mission for Cotton Productivity, which will run from 2026 to 2031. This mission focuses on improving cotton productivity through the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant seeds and the adoption of modern crop production technologies. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, along with the Ministry of Textiles, will implement the mission, involving various agricultural research institutes to ensure quality and sustainability in the cotton value chain.