To enhance support for the cotton-growing community, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are partnering to raise awareness about Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) among cotton farmers, with a special focus on small and marginalized workers.

The collaboration aims to empower vulnerable families involved in cotton production, improve their access to social protection schemes, and facilitate knowledge sharing and technical support for implementing FPRW-related policies. The activities will focus on five districts in Madhya Pradesh, a key state for organic and ELS cotton production.

"For the last 54 years, CITI, through its extension arm, Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA), has worked to improve cotton yield and quality by promoting best agronomic practices and equipping farmers with the latest production, plant protection, and nutrient management technologies. CITI-CDRA has positively impacted cotton productivity, farmer income, soil health, and market linkages," said T. Rajkumar, Chairman of the CITI Standing Committee on Cotton.

CITI-CDRA is also a significant partner in the Cotton Pilot Project, a joint effort by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles to enhance cotton yield through improved agronomic practices and technological interventions like HDPS and closer spacing. The project is currently active in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

"Training farmers on their rights, better access to finance, communication, and agronomic practices is integral to their development. This is why CITI-CDRA has partnered with ILO for the holistic development of the cotton-growing community," said Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI.