New Delhi: The ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, has signed an MoU with Trust ARS Rubber Private Limited, Chengalpattu, for the transfer of its protective gloves technology for cotton-picking workers.
The agreement was signed on 22 October, 2026, with the aim of taking the technology to commercial production and making the gloves more widely available to agricultural workers.
The gloves have been designed to protect cotton pickers from injuries caused by sharp cotton bracts during harvesting. Their design allows workers to handle cotton while retaining the flexibility needed for fieldwork. The gloves are also reusable and built for repeated use in demanding agricultural conditions.
Focus on Worker Safety
Cotton harvesting involves repeated hand contact with sharp plant parts, which can cause injuries and discomfort for workers. The protective gloves are intended to reduce these risks and make harvesting safer.
With the technology transfer, Trust ARS Rubber will help take the product towards wider commercial availability. Easier access to protective equipment could benefit cotton farmers and agricultural labourers by improving safety during picking operations.
Linking Research with Industry
The agreement is part of ICAR-CIRCOT's efforts to move research-based technologies into practical use through industry partnerships. By working with a commercial partner, the institute aims to make solutions developed for agricultural challenges more accessible to those working in the cotton sector.
The initiative brings together agricultural research and manufacturing, with a focus on a practical issue faced by cotton-picking workers during the harvest season.
