Uplifting Cotton Farmers: How CITI and ILO are Cultivating Fairness in India’s Cotton Fields

Industry Updates

In the bustling cotton fields of Madhya Pradesh, a quiet revolution is taking place. India, the second-largest cotton producer in the world, is often overlooked when it comes to labor conditions. While the cotton we wear every day connects us to these farmers, many of them—especially smallholders and migrant workers—struggle with harsh conditions and limited awareness of their rights. Enter the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), who have teamed up to change this story.

From Field to Empowerment: The Heart of the Initiative

This partnership isn’t just about producing more cotton; it's about uplifting the people behind it. The CITI-ILO project focuses on promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) for India’s 6.5 million cotton farmers, with a special emphasis on empowering smallholders and women, who make up 40% of the workforce.

This is more than just a corporate responsibility program. It’s about real, tangible change. Imagine a farmer—possibly working leased land, struggling to make ends meet—suddenly gaining access to knowledge about their rights, social protection schemes, and improved farming techniques. The project provides farmers with training on labor rights, helping them understand that their work matters and deserves respect.

A Local Focus with Global Impact

One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is its local focus. While India is known for its massive cotton industry, the project zeroes in on Madhya Pradesh, a cotton-rich area, and a region critical to India’s cotton supply chain. This phase of the project builds on the lessons learned from a similar initiative in Telangana from 2019 to 2022, which has already improved the lives of thousands​.

It’s easy to think of cotton as a crop, but it’s much more than that—it’s the backbone of an entire economy. Mr. Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI (and our very own Banswara Syntex Ltd’s Chairman), emphasized the importance of producing cotton under fair, dignified conditions: “The cotton we cultivate not only supports our domestic industry but also feeds into the global textile industry,” he explained. This focus on ethical farming could position India as a global leader in sustainable and fair cotton production

Bridging the Gap: Training the Trainers

At the core of this initiative is the Training of Trainers program, where around 30 trainers will spread awareness of FPRW principles among farmers. These trainers will not only teach farmers about their rights but also introduce them to the latest agricultural practices, such as better irrigation methods and organic farming techniques, that can improve yield and reduce environmental harm.

The aim is simple: Give farmers the tools to succeed, both in terms of their agricultural productivity and their personal rights. With this knowledge, they can command better wages, access government schemes, and reduce their dependency on exploitative practices​.

Sustainability for Generations

But the benefits don’t stop with just a few seasons of improved crop yields. The CITI-ILO partnership is designed to create lasting change. For over five decades, CITI has been working to improve cotton farming, and this collaboration with ILO is the next logical step in their journey. By raising awareness of FPRW and providing technical support to small and marginal farmers, the initiative aims to improve not only farmer livelihoods but also the environmental health of cotton farming​.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, cotton produced under ethical conditions will find a stronger foothold in global markets. This initiative ensures that when you buy Indian cotton, you are supporting farmers who are paid fairly and treated with dignity.

A Cotton-Fueled Future

As the project rolls out in Madhya Pradesh, it sets the stage for an ethical transformation of the cotton industry in India. The success of this initiative could have ripple effects across the nation’s agricultural sector, with lessons from cotton farming extending to other crops and regions. The CITI-ILO partnership is not just about growing better cotton—it’s about growing a better future for India’s farmers and the millions of people who depend on this vital industry.

This project is more than just policy; it’s about people. It’s about changing lives, one cotton field at a time. Stay Tuned To B Talks For More..