New Delhi, June 3 -- India's cotton industry, the world's second-largest producer of the fabric, has been grappling with progressively shrinking yields unable to keep up with advanced farming practices and technology, prompting a series of emergency measures by the government.

The Centre has begun the groundwork for launching aNational Cotton Productivity Mission, with discussions underway to chart out a strategy focused on crop diversification, yield improvement, introduction of new seed varieties, and promoting mechanised farming, two officials said.

These measures are aimed at revitalising India's cotton economy amid inconsistent yields.

India's cotton output dropped from about 33.7 million bales in 2022-23 to 32.5 million bales in ...