CITI & ILO to work towards promotion of FPRW among cotton growing

19th July 2024, New Delhi: India ranks second globally in both cotton production and consumption. Approximately 6.5 million farmers cultivate cotton in 11 major states throughout India, and it serves as the main feedstock for the country’s textile sector.Approximately 1.26 hectares is the average land holding size of cotton farmers in India. In addition to the conventional farmers—of whom women make up around 40% of the workforce—a sizable number of migrant laborers work as farmers in India on leased property where they cultivate cotton. As a result, there are numerous vulnerabilities in this industry. In order to improve institutional support mechanisms and address the various vulnerabilities facing the vulnerable segment of the cotton-growing community.

The objectives of this collaboration are to empower vulnerable families involved in cotton production, improve access to and utilization of social protection schemes and programs, and facilitate knowledge sharing and technical support for the implementation of policies and programs linked to FPRW.

“For the last 54 years, CITI, through its extension arm, Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA), has been working to improve yield and quality of cotton by creating awareness on the best agronomics practices as well as equipping farmers with the latest technologies on production, plant protection, and nutrient management. Activities will focus on five districts of Madhya Pradesh, which is a major cotton growing state of organic and ELS cotton. CITI-CDRA has had a favorable influence on cotton productivity, farmer income, soil health, and improved market conditions during the course of its trip.

In addition to being an important extension partner in the Cotton Pilot Project, which is a joint effort of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles to enhance the cotton yield through various improved agronomics practices and technological interventions like HDPS, closer spacing, etc., CITI-CDRA is currently operational in the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

“CITI-CDRA entered into collaboration with ILO for the holistic development of the cotton growing community because it recognizes that trainings on farmers’ rights, better access to finance, improved communication, and agronomic practices are integral part of training of farmers,” stated Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI.