The Indian government’s removal of the 11% import duty on cotton has drawn protests from farmer unions.
The textile industry, however, has welcomed the move, as it faces the burden of punitive 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The textile sector, being one of the biggest employers, is witnessing retrenchment of women garment workers as global apparel brands shift the burden of higher tariffs onto supply chains in the Global South.
Aside from geopolitics, the issue must be understood in the context of structural changes in India’s cotton trade and the blind spots in cotton research and development. It also highlights the need to revitalise farm-to-firm linkages in the domestic supply chain.
News Courtesy: Thehindu