Dr. Indra Mani, VC, VNMKV, Parbhani, addresses National Seminar on Cotton Productivity & Value Chain Transformation

New Delhi, July 22, 2025: 

Dr. Indra Mani, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, participated in the inaugural session of the National Seminar on ‘Cotton Productivity and Value Chain Transformation,’ held at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The seminar brought together national leaders in agriculture, textiles, and industry to discuss strategies for boosting cotton production and strengthening value chains. The event featured prominent speakers including Hon’ble Shri Ashok Dalwai, Rtd. IAS, Chairman, Karnataka State Agriculture Price Commission; Ex Chairman, Prime Minister Task Force of Doubling Farmers Income, Shri Upendra Prasad Singh – Former Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri Purnesh Gururani (IRS) – Director – Fibre, Ministry of Textiles, Smt Sudha Kesari – Additional Development Commissioner, MSME, Smt. Chandrima Chatterjee – Secretary General, Confederation of Indian Textiles Industry, and Dr. Tarun Shridhar – Director General, Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture.

In the inaugural session focused on “Policy & Regulatory Support Framework for Accelerating Cotton Growth in India,” Dr. Indra Mani addressed the gathering and highlighted VNMKV’s significant contributions to cotton research and development. He stated that VNMKV has developed several high-performing cotton varieties and hybrids over the years, catering to the needs of farmers in different agro-climatic zones. He proudly shared that two straight BG II Bt cotton varieties developed by VNMKV were recently approved by the Central Variety Identification Committee (CVIC) for high density planting in rainfed area of Central India, marking a significant milestone in the university's research achievements. These varieties are expected to offer improved pest resistance, better yield stability, and economic returns to farmers.

Dr. Mani also emphasized the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies, precision farming tools, and robust extension services to improve productivity and profitability in the cotton sector. He called for stronger collaborations among research institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to transform India’s cotton value chain and position the country as a global leader in cotton production.