ANNEX E
OPERATION OF FUNDS AND PROGRESS REPORT
1. Title of the Project: Study to develop a standard test Project number: TXD 0272
method for determination of lint and trash content of cotton
2. Name & Address of Project leader: Date of Commencement:
PI: Dr. Jagajanantha P. 18.02.2025
Co-PI: Dr. A.S.M. Raja,
Dr. Sharmila Patil,
Dr. G.T.V. Prabu,
ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai.
3. Details of Equipment Purchased (if any):
Date of purchase/
Name of equipment Cost Supplier placing order for
each item of
equipment
- - - -
NOTE - The equipment fund once fixed cannot be enhanced. Project leaders are advised to
give authenticated estimates of the cost of equipment. Equipment should invariably be
purchased within 1 month from the date of receipt of the fund and/or sanction letter.
4. Total Project Cost – Rs. 9 lakhs
5. Fund received Rs. 243000 (30% of total project cost – 10% TDS)
6. Expenditure made in Rupees: (Please provide the details)
Expenditure Amount Taxes (as Total
(Rs.) applicable) (Rs.)
Manpower cost 43,548 - 43,548
Consumables 60,000 - 60,000
Equipment - - -
Travel 14,000 - 14,000
Others 30,780 - 30,780
Grand Total 1,48,328/- - 1,48,328/-
7. Amount saved (if any) from the last instalment: Rs. 94,328/-
8. Date on which scheme will complete its normal tenure of months 17 June 2025 (4 months).
9. Whether extension beyond normal tenure has been requested. Yes
An extension of two months is required to complete the work due to the following
reasons.
Optimization of new proposed method requires more testing with different
passages by collecting more samples
Validation of the test method through intra-laboratory and inter-laboratory with
three different specimen weight requires additional time than as specified in ToR.
Also, need time for data analysis comparing sample size and number of passages
in the trash separator
10. Constraints (if any) faced in the progress of work and suggestions to overcome them.
Coordination with multiple labs for synchronized testing timelines.
11. Any deviation from original plan with its nature and cause.
As per the test sampling plan, the limits of trash content is given as below
ELS cotton should be collected with maximum of 2% trash content,
Long and superior-medium staple cotton with 2.5-3.5% trash content
Medium/Short staple cotton with the range of 3.5-4.5%
However, during sample collection for long cotton, the samples have 2.5- 4.5% trash, ELS
cotton samples have more than 2% trash and medium short cotton samples have more than
4.5% trash.
Hence, the limits given for different cotton samples may be removed.
12. List of publication giving full bibliographic details accrued from this project (copies of
the paper (s) should be enclosed).
NIL
13. Summary of work done (200 words).
Significant progress has been made in the project to upgrade standard test methods for
lint and trash content in cotton. A comprehensive literature review was completed, analyzing
key standards such as ASTM D5867 (surface trash), IS 4871(gravimetric trash), ASTM
2812(gravimetric trash) which revealed inefficiencies in current methods, including large
sample requirements (≥100g), lengthy testing times (45-60 minutes per sample), and
inconsistencies due to manual processes like the Shirley Analyzer. Fieldwork is now underway,
with visits to two NABL-accredited labs (including ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai) to observe
testing procedures and document challenges such as calibration drift and method discrepancies
between ASTM and IS standards. Sample collection from ginning units has been completed.
Long-staple, Extra-long staple and medium-staple cotton varieties, with HVI verification done
at ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai. The next phase involves comparative testing of 100g, 50g, and
25g samples across three more labs (three NABL-accredited) to validate a more efficient
protocol. Challenges include sourcing ELS cotton with less than 2% trash in India and
coordinating multi-lab testing. The expected outcome is a proposed improved method to
accurately determine trash content in cotton by optimizing sample size and to some extent
number of passages in the trash separator, with recommendations for standardization to BIS.
14. Proposed programme of work for the next month (1000 words).
Over the next month, the project will focus on executing critical tasks to advance the
development of an upgraded standard test method for lint and trash content in cotton. The first
week will involve coordinating sample distribution to other testing labs (five more NABL-
accredited). The second week will mark the commencement of Phase 1 testing using 100g
samples across all labs, with daily monitoring to track progress and initial data compilation.
During the third week, testing will expand to 50g and 25g samples alongside conducting a
stakeholder survey to gather industry feedback. The final week will focus on statistical analysis
to compare accuracy across sample sizes and developing a draft protocol incorporating optimal
sample size recommendations and time required for testing.
Potential risks like sample scarcity or lab delays will be mitigated through backup suppliers and
schedule buffers. Expected outcomes by month-end include a validated dataset comparing
different test methods, a draft protocol for more efficient trash analysis, and consolidated
industry feedback to ensure practical applicability. This structured approach will bridge
theoretical research with practical validation while maintaining alignment with global standards
and Indian industry needs.
15. Detailed Progress Report enlisting the objectives in beginning briefly (up to five pages
maximum).
Attached separately.
Signature of Project leader
Date:
