The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched an ambitious project to promote Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) among cotton-growing community members as part of CITI’s ongoing efforts to uplift India’s cotton farming community. The first phase of the project would concentrate on Madhya Pradesh’s principal cotton-producing areas.

Unveiled at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi, the project is a critical step in providing 6.5 million cotton farmers—of whom 40 per cent are women—with fair labour standards, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods. Throughout the project, migrant labourers farming cotton on leased land as well as small and marginal farmers will receive special attention.

This project, which focusses on Madhya Pradesh’s cotton-rich districts, aims to empower small and marginal farmers by raising their understanding of worker rights, offering technical assistance for the execution of policies, and facilitating their access to vital social protection programs. Through the program, farmers will receive educational pamphlets and tutorials, providing a crucial resource for the cotton farming community.

Secretary General CITI, Chandrima Chatterjee in her opening remarks cited, “This collaboration between CITI and the ILO is a significant stride towards creating a fair and equitable environment for our cotton farmers.”

Insaf Nizam, FPRW Specialist, ILO DWT for South Asia and CO for India, stressed the importance of grassroots empowerment, “Empowering smallholders with knowledge of their rights is essential to achieving decent work in the cotton sector. This project is designed to bring these principles to life, impacting thousands of farmers across Madhya Pradesh.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Chairman-CITI, Rakesh Mehra cited that “By ensuring that our cotton is produced under fair and dignified conditions, we not only uplift our farmers but also enhance the reputation of Indian cotton on the global stage.”