New Delhi, 28 February 2024. Indo Count Industries Limited (ICIL) started the Project AVANI (sustainable initiative of organic cotton) in 2020-21 with the aim to promote organic cotton in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The project has four ICS groups (Internal Control Systems for Group Organic Certification) in Ghatanji tehsil of the Yavatmal district to follow sustainable practices for socio-economic benefits. Indo Count has a team of agricultural specialists and other field staff, who are based at farm locations to cater to educational and training needs of farmers.
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.
