Pratibha Syntex, one of the leading apparel exporters through its agriculture arm Vasudha Swaraj, engages 1,000 tribal farmers in cultivation of regenerative organic cotton (ROC).
This is to emphasise farming practices that restore and build soil, ensure animal welfare and render fair conditions for farmers and farmworkers.
It is important to mention that Vasudha Swaraj promotes multi-cropping techniques.
With multi-cropping and inter-cropping, while farmers received additional crop and additional income from the same farmland, the carbon nutrient in the soil is also increased resulting in increasing arability of the farms lands.
Farmers were also imparted training on effective practices of animal husbandry.
Indore-based Pratibha Syntex is globally known for its various sustainable initiatives be it use of organic cotton, CSR activities and much more.
For 2020-21 crop, the production of regenerative organic cotton is planned on 2,181 acres of land at Petlawad region. The estimated yield of regenerative organic cotton for the year is 1,350 tonnes.
Besides imparting trainings, Vasudha Swaraj provides seeds and organic inputs without upfront payment and gives buyback guarantee of cotton and all the other crops. These efforts have significantly improved farmers’ income.
Mangal Singh Devaji Singhad, a Satrundi farmer, says that by engaging with Vasudha Swaraj we received a sigh of relief in terms of buyback guarantee of all our crops.
He also said “With the multi-cropping technique we are able to get more yield from the same farmland, which eventually gives us a better assured income. For that matter if one yield fails, the other crop gives income insurance. So, ROC is a win-win situation for us.”
“With multi-cropping farmers get additional income from Rs. 8,000 to 15,000 per season,” said Atul Mittal, Director, Vasudha Swaraj.
