Currently, cotton cultivation spans 11 major states in India, involving around 6.5 million farmers. With an average landholding size of about 1.26 hectares, these farmers, including 40 per cent who are women, face numerous challenges. Additionally, a considerable number of migrant labourers engage in cotton farming on leased land, further exposing this sector to various vulnerabilities.

To address these issues, CITI and ILO aim to create greater awareness about Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), particularly targeting small and marginal farmers and workers. The collaboration seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing and provide technical support for implementing policies and programmes related to FPRW. This initiative will enhance access to and utilisation of social protection schemes, empowering vulnerable families involved in cotton cultivation, the two entities said in a joint media release.

The joint activities will initially focus on five districts in Madhya Pradesh, a significant region for organic and Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton production. The goal is to improve the overall well-being of cotton farmers and workers in these areas.

“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.

CITI-CDRA is already operational in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, playing a crucial role in the Pilot Project on Cotton. This project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles, aims to enhance cotton yield through improved agronomic practices and technological interventions, such as High-Density Planting System (HDPS) and closer spacing techniques.

“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.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)