Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 29 (ANI): Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran has welcomed the extension of India's cotton import duty exemption till December 31.

'I extend my heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ensures affordable raw material for the textile industry and provides major relief to exporters through sustained tax rebates,' he said.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief also stated that the INDIA bloc leaders are spreading panic among cotton farmers and deliberately 'underestimating India's efforts to shield the sector from global disruptions'.

'Rather than politicising every challenge, it is time to recognise that India's cotton-textile ecosystem today is far more resilient - because it integrates farm security with global competitiveness. To put it simply, our cotton farmers remain protected; our exporters remain competitive. As my Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has vowed, farmers are and will always remain the foremost priority of this nation. In times of uncertainty, the NDA Government has not only stood firmly with the people but has consistently walked the talk - taking proactive measures to address challenges arising from factors beyond our control,' he said.

He also stated that the Centre has steadily increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton, and highlighted that Cotton Corporation of India has procured 100 lakh bales worth Rs 37,450 crore by March 2025, 'with every rupee reaching farmers directly via Aadhaar-linked systems - ensuring transparency and timely income support'.

Earlier, the Ministry of Textiles, on Thursday, said that in view of the persistent demand-supply gap, the government has extended the import duty exemption on cotton until 31st December 2025.

The decision, notified by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, is expected to stabilise the input costs across the textile value chain, including yarn, fabric, garments, and made-ups, providing relief to manufacturers and consumers alike. This strategic intervention ensures that the textile sector remains globally competitive while safeguarding the interests of domestic cotton farmers. Most imports cater to specialised industrial requirements or brand-linked export contracts and do not replace domestic cotton, the ministry stated. (ANI)