The Regenerative Cotton Standard® (RCS) is delivering impressive results after its first harvest in Maharashtra, India. With higher yields, reduced costs, and increased awareness of regenerative agriculture, the standard is proving to be both effective and sustainable.
The initial RCS verification and analysis of its implementation in India confirm its feasibility and long-term potential to strengthen the resilience of the cotton industry.
Positive Impact on Farmers and the Environment
Last season, 5,000 farmers across 70 villages in Maharashtra adopted RCS-compliant cotton farming methods. Their efforts have led to a harvest of approximately 4,400 tonnes of ginned RCS cotton. Key findings from the first harvest include:
- Higher Yields & Lower Costs – Farmers reported a 2% increase in yield compared to the previous season, alongside a 7% reduction in costs, resulting in better net incomes.
- Soil Regeneration with Biochar – Fields using biochar showed a 15% higher yield than conventional cotton fields, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving soil health.
- Farmer Training & Acceptance – 90% of participating farmers found RCS training methods highly effective, reinforcing the program’s practical benefits.
A Community-Centric Approach
To ensure successful implementation, RCS integrated local leaders, lead farmers, and farmer groups to facilitate direct communication and engagement. The initiative encouraged regenerative practices such as:
- Cover cropping
- Crop rotation
- Soil conservation
- Organic nutrient management
Farmers were introduced to these methods through demonstration fields, hands-on workshops, and Farmer Field Day events, allowing them to witness the benefits first-hand. The project was executed in collaboration with Vijay Cotton & Fibre Co. LLP and over 40 agricultural consultants.
A Sustainable Future for Cotton Farming
Tina Stridde, Managing Director of Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), emphasized the impact of RCS:
“With its holistic approach and focus on farmers’ experiences, the standard proves to be a win-win for all stakeholders. The pilot project in India has demonstrated its potential to help farmers regenerate depleted soils, increase incomes, and secure a future in cotton farming, despite the growing challenges posed by climate change.”
For the textile industry, RCS-verified cotton offers a transparent, traceable supply chain, aligning with social and political demands for responsible sourcing. The AbTF tracking system ensures full traceability from the cotton field to the final product.
Expansion Beyond India
Launched by Aid by Trade Foundation in late 2023, the Regenerative Cotton Standard® is now expanding beyond India. Tanzania has successfully completed its first RCS cotton cycle and is now entering its second season.
