In celebration of World Cotton Day, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) – Cotton Development Research Association (CDRA) proudly recognizes the invaluable contribution of cotton to India’s textile sector and the global economy. World Cotton Day, observed on October 7th, highlights the crucial role that cotton plays in our everyday lives, from textiles and apparel to medical supplies and even food products. It is a day to acknowledge the importance of cotton as a sustainable and versatile crop.
Cotton often referred to as “white gold,” holds a paramount position in India’s textile industry. It is the backbone of countless livelihoods and a key driver of economic growth, making India one of the world’s leading cotton producers. On this special occasion, CITI-CDRA reaffirms its commitment to advancing cotton research, development, and sustainability practices.
Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of CITI, commented “World Cotton Day is a momentous occasion to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our cotton farmers and the collaborative work of researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. CITI-CDRA remains committed to fostering sustainable practices, enhancing cotton quality, and ensuring the prosperity of cotton farmers.”
CITI- CDRA (Cotton Development and Research Association) is making waves in the Cotton production sector, connected with more than 92,576 farmers across 109,971 hectares of cotton land in the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Through various initiatives and partnerships, CITI CDRA is driving Cotton productivity, sustainability, and empowering cotton farmers in these regions.
In Maharashtra, CITI -CDRA is collaborating with the SABC (Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation) to address the Pink Bollworm epidemic in cotton farming to create awareness and providing demonstrations of PB Knot, a vital tool to combat this devastating pest.
Promoting Organic Farming in Maharashtra: To further support sustainable agriculture, CITI CDRA has joined forces with Zydex company to offer free demonstrations of organic products to 10 selected farmers in Maharashtra. This collaborative project aims to promote organic farming practices and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Boosting ELS Cotton Production in Madhya Pradesh: With the increasing demand for textile products made from Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, CITI CDRA is taking action in Madhya Pradesh. By supplying micronutrient kits and conducting demonstrations, CITI-CDRA is encouraging ELS cotton farmers to enhance production and meet the growing demand for high-quality cotton varieties.
Sustainability Initiatives for Cost Reduction and Soil Health in Rajasthan: CITI CDRA is committed to sustainability, advocating for the preparation and use of biopesticides made from readily available farm and home products. This initiative not only cuts down production costs but also nurtures soil health, promoting long-term agricultural sustainability.
These efforts have yielded significant results, with an average increase of 22.10% in Cotton productivity in Maharashtra, 19.08% in Madhya Pradesh, and 19.6% in Rajasthan compared to non-project areas. This demonstrates the positive impact CITI CDRA is having on the livelihoods of farmers and the agricultural industry in these regions.
As India celebrates World Cotton Day, CITI CDRA remains dedicated to fostering sustainable agricultural practices, empowering farmers, and ensuring the continued success of the cotton industry and urges all stakeholders to recognize the indispensable role of cotton in the textile industry and pledge to support sustainable cotton cultivation and research endeavors.
