India's cotton farmers get boost from CITI-ILO collaboration

India, a powerhouse in cotton production and consumption, is launching a program to empower its vulnerable cotton farmers, particularly smallholders and migrant workers. This initiative is led by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Millions of Indian farmers, including many women, cultivate cotton across 11 states. These small-scale producers, often with limited landholdings, face challenges. Migrant workers also contribute significantly to the sector.

To address these issues, CITI and ILO will focus on raising awareness about workers' rights among these vulnerable groups. The collaboration aims to share knowledge and provide technical support for implementing programs that protect these rights.

This will ultimately improve access to social safety nets and empower families dependent on cotton. The program will initially target five districts in Madhya Pradesh, a key region for organic and high-quality cotton.

CITI has a long history of supporting cotton farmers through its arm, the Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA). CDRA works to improve yields and quality through education on best practices and new technologies.

This new collaboration with ILO signifies CITI's commitment to the well-being of India's cotton sector, encompassing both productivity and worker rights.