Roy heads to India exploring cotton opportunities

Roy Butler outside the Karnataka State Legislature in Bangalore during his trade mission to India. Photo: contributed

Story: Kristin Murdock and Rod Corfe

Member for Barwon Roy Butler travelled to India last week to explore opportunities that could see more Australian cotton processed locally, saying the move has the potential to create regional jobs while strengthening Australia’s manufacturing capability.

The visit was organised through the Australian Indian Business Council and the Consul General to India, who have been working with Mr Butler to investigate investment opportunities in Australia’s cotton industry.

“I know that cotton can be a contentious subject for, but the reality is we grow cotton, and for people who have water licences, and it is a profitable crop,” he said.

Australia currently exports all of its cotton after it has been ginned, with much of it destined for garment manufacturers in China and India. Mr Butler said one of the challenges was maintaining the premium reputation of Australian cotton once it entered international supply chains.

“We export cotton, then that cotton gets diluted with lower quality stuff from other countries,” he said. “And people who are paying a premium price for a premium product don’t end up getting that quality product.” […]

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