In order to meet the growing demand from the trade, Cotton Association of India (CAI), a leading cotton body in the country, has firmed up its plans to expand the network of laboratories across the country.
Last year, the association had established one laboratory at Rajkot in Gujarat. The laboratory is accredited with National Accreditation Board for Testing and Caliberation Laboratories certificate. Now, the trade body has set up two more laboratories at Akola and Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
The move has been taken with a view to increasing the instrument-based testing of cotton in India to be at par with international standards by providing cotton esting facilities to all segments of cotton value chain in all parts of the country in a cost effective manner.
"Continuing our efforts towards to this end, our association has an ambitious plans to expand the network of laboratories and we aim at setting up laboratory every few months in various locations," said Dhirenbhai Sheth, President, Cotton Association of India, which intends to make the testing results of its laboratories a seal of approval with world wide acceptance.
The association is concerned over the reducing market share of cotton vis-a-vis man-made fibreApart from this, the cotton body has embarked on a cotton promotion campaign involving awareness building amongst all sections of cotton chain. The association plans to undertake cotton promotion projects in a phased manner.
In a recently, concluded annual general meeting (AGM), CAI also expressed its intention to create a cotton museum in India on the lines of that in Egypt to showcase the rich and varied cotton heritage of India. "CAI's cotton green building in Mumbai has great heritage value and this needs to be treasured," he added.
The association's Cotton School Committee is actively working on various aspects to set up Cotton School of International Standard in India.