The Ministry of Textiles has launched the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand, aimed at improving the quality and traceability of cotton production across India. This initiative utilizes QR code certification technology to ensure that cotton meets established protocols.
Registration and Certification
- Modernized Units: To date, approximately 343 modernized ginning and pressing units have been registered to participate in the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative.
- Certified Bales: About 100 bales of Andhra Pradesh cotton have been certified under the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand. This information was provided by Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Ginning Process
- Definition: Ginning is the process of cleaning cotton by removing seeds and other waste matter using a gin.
- Process Details: Cotton is first dried to remove moisture before being cleaned of leaves and other foreign matter.
Objectives of Kasturi Cotton Bharat
- Quality Assurance: The program ensures high-quality cotton production and traceability.
- Certification and Branding: It allows for certification and branding of Indian cotton, enhancing its market value.
Collaborative Effort
- The Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative is a collaborative effort between the central government, trade bodies, and industry. The MoU was signed between the Cotton Corporation of India and the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council on December 15, 2022.
Budget and Financial Support
- Total Budget: The initiative is supported by a budget of Rs 30 crore.
- Trade and Industry Contribution: Rs 15 crore of this budget comes from trade and industry bodies.
Technology and Traceability
- QR Code Certification: QR code technology is employed at each stage of cotton processing for certification.
- Blockchain Platform: A blockchain-based software platform provides end-to-end traceability and transaction certification.
National Implementation
- The Kasturi Cotton Bharat program is operational nationwide, with blockchain technology designed to support the entire Indian cotton value chain.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary objective of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative?
- A) Increase cotton production
- B) Improve quality and traceability of cotton
- C) Expand ginning units
- D) Promote cotton exports
- How many modernized ginning and pressing units have been registered for the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative?
- A) 100
- B) 200
- C) 343
- D) 500
- What technology is used for certification in the Kasturi Cotton Bharat program?
- A) Barcode technology
- B) RFID technology
- C) QR code technology
- D) NFC technology
- When was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative signed?
- A) January 1, 2022
- B) June 15, 2022
- C) December 15, 2022
- D) March 10, 2023
- What is the total budget allocated for the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative?
- A) Rs 20 crore
- B) Rs 25 crore
- C) Rs 30 crore
- D) Rs 35 crore
- Which technology platform provides end-to-end traceability in the Kasturi Cotton Bharat program?
- A) Cloud computing
- B) Blockchain technology
- C) Artificial Intelligence
- D) Internet of Things (IoT)