India ranks second globally in both cotton production and consumption, with around 6.5 million farmers cultivating cotton in 11 major states serving as the main feedstock for the country’s textile sector.
In addition to the conventional farmers with 40 per cent women, a sizable number of migrant labourers work as farmers in India on leased property where they cultivate cotton. As a result, there are numerous vulnerabilities in this industry.
In order to improve institutional support mechanisms and address the various vulnerabilities facing the vulnerable segment of the cotton-growing community, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) will collaborate with cotton farmers to raise awareness of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), with a particular focus on small and marginalised workers and farmers.
The objectives of this collaboration are to empower vulnerable families involved in cotton production, improve access to and utilisation of social protection schemes and programmes, and facilitate knowledge sharing and technical support for the implementation of policies and initiatives linked to FPRW. Five districts in Madhya Pradesh, a significant state in the production of organic and ELS cotton, would be the focus of the activities.
“For last 54 years, CITI through its extension arm, Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA), has been working for improving yield and quality of cotton by creating awareness on the best agronomics practices as also equipping farmers with the latest technologies on production, plant protection and nutrient management. Throughout its journey, CITI-CDRA has been able to positively impact cotton productivity, farmer income, soil health and better market linkage.”, said T. Rajkumar, Chairman – CITI Standing Committee on Cotton.
In addition to being an important extension partner in the Cotton Pilot Project, which is a joint effort of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles to enhance the cotton yield through various improved agronomics practices and technological interventions like HDPS, closer spacing, etc., CITI-CDRA is currently operational in the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
“CITI-CDRA recognises that trainings on rights of farmers, better access to finance, better communication, agronomic practices are integral part of training of farmers and hence entered into collaboration with ILO for the holistic development of the cotton growing community.”, said Rakesh Mehra, Chairman – CITI.
