Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi has sent an urgent letter to Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh requesting him to immediately withdraw the ban on Cotton export. The Chief Minister has also requested the PM to allot export quota of 1 million cotton bales to Gujarat in special case to save state farmers from great loss.
After returning back from Chennai-Tamilnadu, Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Prime Minister in which he said Gujarat produces about one third cotton of India and contributes 50% export of Cotton. Gujarat’s Cotton has become famous internationally due to its quality. While in 2003 the state produced 16 lakh hector of Cotton crop, last year the production reached 24.64 lakh hector. This year Gujarat farmers have produced 104.55 lakh bales of Cotton.
Shri Modi in his letter to the PM said policy of banning the Cotton export practiced by central government’s Finance and Commerce ministries is clear injustice to Cotton farmers and there’s anger among the farmers on this issue.
Shri Modi said there’s a game being played to discourage Gujarat’s Cotton farmers. In 2010 central Finance ministry had imposed Rs. 2500 export duty per tonne. A notification in this regard was issued on 9 April, 2010. This is anti-farmers policy.
Shri Narendra Modi terming this as an anti-farmer policy of the central government further said in his letter that while internationally cotton prices are increasing, we are having opposite experience at home-front where prices are going down.
Shri Modi pointed out that Cotton producers have no arrangement to store their yield and therefore they are compelled to sell Cotton at lower prices. BT Cotton S6′s price has come down from Rs Rs 44,000 per candy from earlier Rs 62,500, while Short staple V 797 cotton price is down at Rs 25,000 from earlier Rs 50,000 per candy. Raw BT Cotton was priced at Rs 7250, but now its price is 40% down.
Chief Minister also pointed out that while last year 295 lakh bales cotton was produced and 85 lakh export quota was approved., this year there has been 330 lakh bales production, but the approved export quota is only 55 lakh bales!
The Chief Minister in his letter said It is not understandable that what kind of approach central Commerce ministry has adopted.
Arya Vaidya Sala has played a significant role in preserving, protecting and advancing Ayurveda: PM Modi
January 28, 2026
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Ayurveda in India has transcended time and region, guiding humanity to understand life, achieve balance and live in harmony with nature: PM
We have consistently focused on preventive health, the National AYUSH Mission was launched with this vision: PM
We must adapt to the changing times and increase the use of modern technology and AI in Ayurveda: PM
Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, all the dignitaries associated with Arya Vaidya Sala, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure for me to join you all on this solemn occasion. Arya Vaidyasala has played a significant role in preserving, protecting, and advancing Ayurveda. In its 125-year journey, this institution has established Ayurveda as a powerful system of treatment. On this occasion, I remember the contributions of Arya Vaidyasala's founder, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier. His approach to Ayurveda and his dedication to public welfare continue to inspire us.
Friends,
Arya Vaidyasala in Kerala is a living symbol of India's healing tradition, which has served humanity for centuries. Ayurveda in India has not been confined to any one era or region. Throughout time, this ancient system of medicine has shown the way to understand life, achieve balance, and live in harmony with nature. Today, Arya Vaidyasala manufactures over 600 Ayurvedic medicines. The organization's hospitals in various parts of the country treat patients using Ayurvedic methods, including those from over 60 countries around the world. Arya Vaidyasala has built this trust through its work. When people are in pain, all of you become a great source of hope for them.
Friends,
For Arya Vaidya Sala, service is not just an idea, this spirit is also visible in their action, approach and institutions. The Charitable Hospital of the organization has been continuously serving the people for the last 100 years, 100 years is not a small time, for 100 years. Everyone associated with the hospital has contributed in this. I also congratulate the Vaidyas, doctors, nursing staff and all others of the hospital. You all deserve congratulations for completing the 100 years journey of the Charitable Hospital. The people of Kerala have kept the traditions of Ayurveda alive for centuries. You are preserving and promoting those traditions as well.
Friends,
For a long time, ancient medical systems in the country were viewed in silos. Over the last 10-11 years, this approach has undergone a significant shift. Healthcare is now being viewed holistically. We have brought Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, and Yoga under one umbrella, and a Ministry of AYUSH has been specifically created for this purpose. We have consistently focused on preventive health. With this vision, the National AYUSH Mission was launched, and more than 12,000 AYUSH Wellness Centers were opened, providing yoga, preventive care, and community health services. We have also connected other hospitals in the country with AYUSH services and focused on the regular supply of AYUSH medicines. The objective is clear: to ensure that people in every corner of the country benefit from the knowledge of India's traditional medicine.
Friends,
The government's policies have clearly shown an impact on the AYUSH sector. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown rapidly and expanded. To promote Indian traditional wellness to the world, the government has established the AYUSH Export Promotion Council. Our effort is to promote AYUSH products and services in global markets. We are seeing its very positive impact. In the year 2014, AYUSH and herbal products worth approximately Rs 3 thousand crores were exported from India. Now, AYUSH and herbal products worth Rs 6500 crores are being exported from India. The farmers of the country are also getting huge benefits from this.
Friends,
Today, India is also emerging as a trusted destination for AYUSH-based medical value travel. Therefore, we have taken steps like the AYUSH Visa. This is providing better access to AYUSH medical facilities to people coming from abroad.
Friends,
To promote ancient medical systems like Ayurveda, the government is proudly showcasing it on every major platform. Whether it's the BRICS summit or the G-20 meeting, wherever I got the opportunity, I presented Ayurveda as a medium for holistic health. The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Traditional Medicine Centre is also being established in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda has started functioning in Jamnagar itself. To meet the growing demand for Ayurvedic medicines, medicinal farming is also being promoted on the banks of the river Ganga.
Friends,
Today, I want to share with you another achievement of the country. You all know that a historic trade agreement has just been announced with the European Union. I am happy to inform you that this trade agreement will provide a major boost to Indian traditional medicine services and practitioners. In EU member states where regulations do not exist, our AYUSH practitioners will be able to provide their services based on their professional qualifications acquired in India. This will greatly benefit our youth associated with Ayurveda and Yoga. This agreement will also help in establishing AYUSH wellness centers in Europe. I congratulate all of you associated with Ayurveda and AYUSH on this agreement.
Friends,
Ayurveda has been used for treatment in India for centuries. However, it is unfortunate that we have to explain the importance of Ayurveda to people, both in the country and abroad. A major reason for this is the lack of evidence-based research and research papers. When the Ayurvedic system is tested on the principles of science, people's faith is strengthened. Therefore, I am happy that Arya Vaidya Shala has continuously tested Ayurveda on the touchstone of science and research. It is working in collaboration with institutions like CSIR and IIT. Drug research, clinical research, and cancer care have also been your focus. Establishing a Centre of Excellence for Cancer Research, in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, is an important step in this direction.
Friends,
Now, we must increase the use of modern technology and AI in Ayurveda to adapt to the changing times. Much innovation can be done to diagnose disease and develop different treatments.
Friends,
Arya Vaidya Shala has demonstrated that tradition and modernity can coexist, and that healthcare can become a foundation of trust in people's lives. This institution has adapted to modern needs while preserving the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Treatment has been streamlined and services have been made accessible to patients. I once again congratulate Arya Vaidya Shala on this inspiring journey. I wish that this institution continues to improve people's lives with the same dedication and spirit of service in the years to come. Thank you very much.
