The ICAR–Central Institute of Cotton Research in Nagpur and the Central Agricultural University in Imphal have joined forces to enhance Comilla cotton’s agronomic performance while preserving its distinctive traits. Through participatory breeding programs, researchers are developing high-yielding, resilient varieties of Gossypium arboreum race cernuum that retain large boll size, high ginning efficiency, and natural stress tolerance. Field trials conducted across trial plots in the Garo Hills have demonstrated marked gains in yield and fiber uniformity, and the introduction of scientifically managed crop protocols—including optimized seed spacing, integrated pest management, and soil fertility amendments—has led to more consistent production outcomes under jhum and mixed-cropping systems.

Parallel to varietal improvement, the collaboration has emphasized on-farm capacity building and value-chain integration. Community seed banks have been established to safeguard improved planting material, and hands-on training programs are equipping smallholder farmers with modern scouring, bleaching, and ginning techniques tailored to Comilla cotton’s short-staple fibers. Efforts to link growers directly with the surgical-cotton industry and emerging eco-product manufacturers have facilitated new market channels for medical-grade cotton, earbuds, and SAP-free sanitary napkins, thereby strengthening both livelihoods and local supply chains.

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