India will set up dedicated labs for testing high-grade cotton in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Karnataka. This is part of a push to establish the indigenous Kasturi cotton as a global brand, according to news reports.
- The labs would be set up in convergence with the Bureau of Indian Standards' (BIS) testing facilities, ensuring alignment with national quality standards.
- The objective is to compete with global cotton brands such as Supima and Giza, which are known for their exceptional softness, strength and durability.
THE PUSH FOR KASTURI: As of now, the certification of Kasturi cotton is conducted through few laboratories that are accredited with the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- The Indian government now wants to enhance quality standards and the global acceptance of Indian textiles through this initiative.
- The Indian product, Kasturi Cotton Bharat, is produced to stringent standards, with a strict 2% cap on trash content to ensure its premium quality and 100% traceability.
- Kasturi Cotton Bharat is an initiative of the Indian Ministry of Textiles, trade bodies and industry. The branding, traceability and certification of Kasturi Cotton Bharat is implemented the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), in association with the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
THE INDIAN COTTON: Kasturi Cotton Bharat is the programme set up to brand the best of cotton that India has to offer. Long staple cotton that meets predetermined benchmarks of quality are tested at NABL accredited laboratories and certified as Kasturi Cotton.
- Kasturi Cotton has a minimum length of 29mm. It meets quality benchmarks for micronaire value, RD value, fibre strength, uniformity index, trash and moisture content.
- Indian cotton farmers will get better value for their Kasturi Cotton due to the branding, traceability, transparency and quality assurance that buyers demand. This programme is also expected to sustain long-term growth and competitiveness of Indian cotton farmers.
- The branding of Kasturi Cotton Bharat consists of physical audits; inspections, sampling, testing and certification besides blockchain and QR technologies.
- The program welcomes all entities in the cotton value chain. Ginners, spinners, processors, integrated mills, garment manufacturers and made-up exporters along with traders and even international buyers and brands can become part of the Kasturi Cotton ecosystem.
