CITI partners ILO to improve labour standards in cotton production

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has teamed up with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to address ongoing concerns about labour practices in India's cotton industry, including child and forced labour. This collaboration aims to enhance awareness and implement best labour standards in the cotton value chain.

A pilot program will be launched in major cotton-growing districts of Madhya Pradesh, focusing on five key aspects: freedom of association, elimination of child and forced labour, ending discrimination, and promoting a safe and healthy working environment. These principles, part of ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights to Work (FPRW), aim to improve working conditions for over 6.5 million cotton farmers in India.

Chandrima Chatterjee, Secretary General of CITI, highlighted that ethical cotton production could boost India’s global reputation, benefiting both farmers and the wider textile industry.

Despite being the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of cotton, India faces international scrutiny, particularly from the US, over labour issues. These concerns have hindered the export potential of Indian cotton, textiles, and garments.

Women constitute 40 per cent of India’s cotton farmers, a significant proportion in a sector where average landholdings are about 1.26 hectares. The initiative aims to create a fairer, safer ecosystem for all workers involved.