The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) have launched an ambitious project aimed at promoting fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) among the cotton growing community in India.
- The project’s inaugural phase will focus on the major cotton-producing districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- The initiative, unveiled Tuesday, marks a step toward ensuring fair labour practices, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods for about 6.5 million cotton farmers.
- A comprehensive booklet detailing government schemes available to farmers was also released during the launch event.
- Under the project, special emphasis will be laid on small and marginal farmers as also on migrant labours engaged as cotton farmers with leased land.
THE CONTEXT: India’s cotton supply chain is vast and complex, involving both formal and informal sectors.
- Targeting the cotton-rich districts of Madhya Pradesh, the project will empower small and marginal farmers by enhancing their awareness of worker rights, providing technical support for policy implementation, and improving access to crucial social protection schemes.
- The programme will see more informative booklets and tutorials being provided to farmers, thus offering a vital resource for the cotton farming community.
- The ILO’s ‘Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) in the cotton supply chain—Rise for Impact’ project, which now enters its next phase in Madhya Pradesh, builds on the successes and lessons learned from its initial rollout in the state of Telangana (2019-–22).
- This phase aligns with CITI-CDRA’s ongoing efforts under the special project on cotton, ensuring that FPRW basic principles are woven into the fabric of daily agricultural practices. CITI works in the cotton sector in India through the Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA).
INITIATIVES AND IMPACT: The ILO-CITI collaboration will drive several key initiatives with the following objectives:
- Cotton growing communities are better aware and empowered to realize FPRW
- Responsible institutions/constituents and stakeholders able to ensure FPRW
- Stakeholders have better access to knowledge and tools to promote FPRW.
WHAT THEY SAID:
The cotton we cultivate not only supports our domestic industry but also feeds into the global textile industry, influencing markets and economies worldwide. By ensuring that our cotton is produced under fair and dignified conditions, we not only uplift our farmers but also enhance the reputation of Indian cotton on the global stage.
— Rakesh Mehra
Chairman
Confederation of Indian Textile Industry
This collaboration between CITI and the ILO is a significant stride towards creating a fair and equitable environment for our cotton farmers. By promoting FPRW, we aim to ensure that these hardworking individuals are recognized, respected, and able to thrive within the global supply chain.
— Chandrima Chatterjee
Secretary-General
Confederation of Indian Textile Industry
For last 54 years, CITI through its extension arm, CDRA, has been working to improve yield and quality of cotton by creating awareness on the best agronomics practices as also equipping farmers with the latest technologies on production, plant protection and nutrient management. Throughout its journey, CITI-CDRA has been able to positively impact cotton productivity, farmer income, soil health and better market linkage.
— T Rajkumar
Chairman - CITI Standing Committee on Cotton
Confederation of Indian Textile Industry
