New Delhi, Feb. 13 -- Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh announced on Monday that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has been directed to identify one district in each state for conducting cotton productivity trials.

The initiative comes as India seeks to bridge the significant gap in cotton yields compared to other major producing nations, with countries like Brazil, China, Australia, and Russia achieving 2,000 to 2,200 kg per hectare while India's average production remains at 450-500 kg per hectare.

The government's ambitious plan includes expanding the successful Akola model nationwide, as part of a broader strategy to enhance the textile sector's contribution to the economy.

Singh outlined plans to nearly double India's text...