India's Indo Count & GIZ sign MOU to strengthen organic cotton project

To revolutionise the cotton supply chain by encouraging the adoption of organic farming practices among cotton growers, ICIL has joined hands with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on 09 February 2024 to introduce a transformative initiative strengthening sustainable organic cotton production under the AVANI project.

The project has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is implemented by GIZ and Indo Count India as an Integrated Development Partnership (IDPP).

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering environmental sustainability, improving livelihoods, and promoting ethical practices within the textile industry.

The Yavatmal district in Maharashtra, known for its significant cotton cultivation, presents an ideal opportunity to implement sustainable agricultural practices. By transitioning to organic cotton cultivation, farmers can reduce reliance on synthetic inputs such as pesticides and fertilisers, thereby minimising environmental impact and promoting soil health. Additionally, organic cotton production offers economic benefits to farmers through access to premium markets and improved market linkages.

GIZ India, with its expertise in sustainable development and agricultural practices, will provide technical assistance to support farmers in Yavatmal. This includes capacity building on organic farming techniques, support for certification processes, and facilitating access to markets for organic cotton produce. Indo Count will procure organic cotton from farmers in the Yavatmal district, ensuring fair prices and market access while maintaining stringent quality standards throughout the supply chain.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Kailash Lalpuria, CEO & Executive Director of Indo Count Industries Limited, stated: "At Indo Count, sustainability is at the core of our business philosophy. Through this partnership with GIZ India, we are proud to support organic cotton farming initiatives that align with our commitment to ethical and responsible farming practices. Together, we aspire to create a more sustainable and resilient cotton value chain."

Dr. Rossitza Krueger, Programme Lead, Sustainability and Value Added in Agricultural Supply Chains | Cotton, Tea and Spices at GIZ India, remarked: "We are excited to partner with Indo Count Industries Limited to drive sustainable change in the cotton sector. By promoting organic cotton cultivation in the Yavatmal district, we aim to empower farmers, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development in the region."

By fostering collaboration between key stakeholders, Indo Count Industries Limited and GIZ India aim to set a precedent for sustainable development in cotton-producing regions across India.

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)