27 November 2025, Mumbai
Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, visited the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai today to review the institute’s research progress, outreach initiatives, and future developmental roadmap.
Speaking during the review, the Minister appreciated the institute’s significant contributions toward strengthening India’s cotton sector through technology development, commercialization and capacity-building. He emphasized the need to intensify farmer-centric outreach programmes for wider technology adoption and improving the economic well-being of cotton growers across the country. He encouraged the institute to adopt a mission-oriented approach for steadily enhancing the income of cotton farmers year after year.
The Minister also took note of the declining manpower and land constraints faced by the institute, which pose challenges in expanding research infrastructure. He advised exploring the feasibility of establishing a regional centre of ICAR-CIRCOT in Bihar to support cotton cultivation, value addition, and enterprise development in the eastern region of the country.
Dr. S. K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT welcomed the Minister and presented an overview of the institute’s rich legacy, major scientific achievements, innovative technologies developed during the past five years, and its emerging focus areas. He also highlighted the future strategic roadmap, including advancements in cotton mechanical harvesting, implementation of cotton value chain traceability systems etc.
The visit concluded with a formal vote of thanks to the Minister for his visionary guidance, encouragement, and commitment toward strengthening research and extension activities in cotton technology. His valuable insights have provided clear directions for ICAR-CIRCOT to broaden its national impact and accelerate advancements in the cotton value chain for the benefit of farmers, industry, and the nation.
(Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai)
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