Cotton Crisis: Chief Minister Vijay's Call to Remove Import Duty

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has made an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the abolition of the import duty on cotton. In his inaugural communication to Modi after assuming office, Vijay stressed the significance of the textile and apparel industry in the state, which leads the nation in exports.

Vijay pointed out that the sector, a key employment provider especially for rural women, faces a severe crisis due to skyrocketing cotton and yarn prices, driven by reduced domestic production and heightened trading activities. The price of cotton has surged by 25% over two months, while yarn prices have also risen significantly.

To ensure continued production and meet export demands, Vijay advocates for duty-free cotton imports to replace the current 11% tariff. He emphasized the sector's substantial employment contribution and urged government intervention to uphold jobs and reinforce the textile value chain.

(With inputs from agencies.)