India and Uniqlo strengthen ties to boost textile sector and cotton productivity

Uniqlo has reiterated its interest in advancing cotton production capabilities, productivity, and quality within India. As the world’s largest cotton producer, cultivating over 11.9 million hectares, India provides an ideal foundation for such initiatives.

India is already leveraging high-density quality seeds in Akola, where productivity levels reach up to 1,500 kg/hectare. Uniqlo’s pilot project aligns with this approach, achieving productivity and quality levels of up to 1,000 kg/hectare. The Ministry has expressed its commitment to supporting Uniqlo’s request for land to scale up this initiative, reinforcing a shared vision to make India a global hub for high-quality cotton sourcing.

In line with India’s textile growth targets of reaching a $350 billion market size and $100 billion in exports by 2030, the Ministry has invited Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks. These parks offer a well-equipped, ready-to-perform ecosystem with a Build-to-Suit model, ensuring seamless integration for companies aiming for sustainable and efficient operations.

Uniqlo’s participation in the upcoming “Bharat Tex” Global Textile Expo in February will further highlight the shared commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and traceability in the textile sector. With global attention shifting towards sustainable and traceable practices, the Ministry has encouraged Uniqlo to expand its research and development efforts into new natural fibers, such as milkweed fiber, aligning with India’s initiatives in this critical area.

The Ministry remains confident that this partnership will strengthen India’s end-to-end textile value chain, empower the women-led economy, and elevate India’s position as a global textile leader.