Indo Count, GIZ partner for sustainable cotton in India

Indo Count Industries (ICIL) launched Project ‘Avani’ in 2020-21 to promote organic cotton in Maharashtra. The project, aiming for both environmental and economic benefits, guides farmers in sustainable practices through training and certification support.

To further strengthen this initiative, ICIL partnered Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this collaboration represents a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, improved livelihoods, and ethical practices in the textile industry.

Maharashtra's Yavatmal district, known for its cotton cultivation, offers a prime location for this project. Organic cotton farming reduces reliance on harmful chemicals, improves soil health, and offers farmers access to premium markets and fair prices.

GIZ India brings expertise in sustainable development and agriculture, providing technical assistance to farmers in Yavatmal. This includes training, certification support, and market access facilitation. ICIL, in turn, ensures fair prices, market access, and stringent quality standards throughout the supply chain by directly procuring organic cotton from Yavatmal farmers.

Kailash Lalpuria, CEO of Indo Count, emphasizes the company's commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, stating that the partnership supports organic cotton farming initiatives and aligns with their values.

Rossitza Krueger of GIZ India echoes the sentiment, expressing excitement about partnering with Indo Count to drive sustainable change in the cotton sector. The collaboration aims to empower farmers, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development in the region.

This collaboration between Indo Count and GIZ India aims to set a precedent for sustainable cotton production across India, fostering a more responsible and environmentally friendly future for the industry.