Kasturi Cotton Bharat Programme Launches Blockchain-Based Traceability for Indian Cotton

Operational at the national level, Kasturi Cotton Bharat is promoted both domestically and internationally.

The Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme, a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, aims to revolutionize the traceability, certification, and branding of Indian cotton through advanced technologies. Announced with a budget of Rs. 30 crore—Rs. 15 crore from trade and industry bodies via a Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 15, 2022—the programme represents a collaborative effort between the Government of India, industry stakeholders, and trade bodies.

The programme utilizes QR-based certification technology at every stage of cotton processing, complemented by a blockchain-based software platform to ensure complete traceability and provide transaction certificates. A dedicated microsite featuring QR code verification and blockchain technology has been developed to support this initiative.

Operational at the national level, Kasturi Cotton Bharat is promoted both domestically and internationally. The initiative is not confined to state-level funding; instead, it encompasses the entire Indian cotton value chain, including stakeholders in Andhra Pradesh.

Under this programme, all ginners across the country, including those in Andhra Pradesh, are authorized to produce Kasturi Cotton Bharat-branded cotton, adhering to prescribed protocols. To date, 343 modernized ginning and pressing units, including 15 from Andhra Pradesh, have been registered. Approximately 100 bales from Andhra Pradesh have already received certification under the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand.

Union Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, provided these details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the programme's commitment to enhancing the integrity and global competitiveness of Indian cotton through innovative technology.