CITI And ILO Collaborate To Promote Rights At Work Among Cotton Farmers

India, the second-largest producer and consumer of cotton globally, cultivates cotton across 11 major states with about 6.5 million farmers, including 40% women and numerous migrant labourers on leased land. Given the sector’s vulnerabilities, CITI and ILO are partnering to promote Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) among cotton farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers and workers.

This collaboration aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and provide technical support for implementing policies related to FPRW, enhancing access to social protection schemes and empowering vulnerable families in cotton cultivation. The focus will be on five districts in Madhya Pradesh, a key state for organic and extra-long staple (ELS) cotton.

“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 raising awareness of 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 CITI Standing Committee on Cotton.

Currently, CITI-CDRA operates in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and is a key partner in the Pilot Project on Cotton, a joint effort by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Textiles to enhance cotton yield through improved agronomic practices and technological interventions.

“CITI-CDRA recognizes that training on farmers’ rights, better access to finance, communication and agronomic practices are integral to the holistic development of the cotton-growing community, hence our collaboration with ILO,” said Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI.