Cleaning Up Cotton: The Role of Cotton in Poverty Reduction & Achieving India’s Sustainable Development Goals
Guest Author: Mr. Chandrakant Kumbhani, COO, Community Development, Ambuja Foundation
21 November 2024, New Delhi: Whenever we, as consumers, purchase a cotton garment or product, we are in fact playing a crucial role in fighting poverty in rural India. For cotton is not just a fabric; it is a lifeline for millions around the globe. Renowned for its comfort, breathability, and durability, cotton is a staple in our wardrobes. However, its significance extends far beyond the realm of fashion. According to the UN, this natural fibre supports approximately 32 million growers, nearly half of whom are women, and positively impacts over 100 million families across 80 countries on five continents.
For developing nations like India, cotton serves as a critical safety net, providing livelihoods for small, rural landholders and laborers, particularly in impoverished areas. India ranks as the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of cotton, and here, the industry plays a vital role in the national economy. Cotton farming is a major source of income for many marginal rural households, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation. However, despite its importance, cotton’s share of the global fibre market in has dwindled to 25%, overshadowed by synthetic fibres, which now dominate at 75%. This shift has implications not only for the economy but also for the environment and social equity.
The Rise of Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres, predominantly made from chemicals and petroleum by-products, have gained popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and durability. However, this durability comes at a significant environmental cost. Unlike cotton, which is biodegradable, synthetic materials can take decades to centuries to decompose. Moreover, their production and subsequent laundering have led to alarming levels of microplastics polluting our oceans and waterways, adversely affecting marine life and human health. Additionally, the toxic chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic textiles pose severe health risks to factory workers and nearby communities.
Challenges in Cotton Production
On the face of it, the answer seems obvious – choose cotton! But despite its potential, cotton farming faces several challenges. Critics often point to the high water consumption and pesticide use associated with traditional cotton farming practices. Currently, only a fraction of global cotton production meets sustainable standards, with organic cotton accounting for less than 1% of the market share. This reality underscores the urgent need to “clean up cotton.” In 2021/22 there were almost 1million farmers adhering to ‘Better Cotton’ standards in India, but with approximately 5.8million cotton farmers in India, we still have a long way to go!
Cotton and the Sustainable Development Goals
It’s not just the environment that can benefit from ‘cleaner’ cotton cultivation. Cotton farming has the potential to be a major driver for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industrial Innovation, Reduced Inequalities, and Climate Action. These goals highlight the multifaceted benefits of choosing cotton over cheaper synthetic alternatives.
The Path to Sustainable Cotton Farming
Clearly there is much more work to do. To harness cotton’s full potential, it is essential to expand the current footprint among many more of India’s cotton farmers and promote more sustainable farming practices. By doing so, direct impacts include stark reductions in the consumption of water and chemical pesticides, significantly reducing input costs, and increasing both yields and the ultimate livelihoods of millions of cotton farmers. These impacts, provide the tipping point for lifting farming households above the poverty line, and also re-writing the future for so many of India’s other pressing problems – from water scarcity to soil health.
Collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector is crucial here, for creating a more sustainable cotton industry. Investing in the capacity building of farmers can lead to transformative change at a family, community and industry levels. At the other end of the spectrum, much work needs to be done to increase consumer awareness about the benefits of sustainable cotton, to drive demand and encourage more ethical practices throughout the cotton supply chain – from field to consumer.
The journey to cleaning up cotton is complex, yet it is a necessary endeavour that requires collective effort. By prioritizing sustainable practices, we can transform cotton from a mere commodity into a powerful tool for poverty reduction and environmental stewardship. Choosing cotton over synthetic fibres not only benefits individuals and communities but also contributes to a healthier planet. As consumers, our choices matter—supporting sustainable cotton can lead to significant positive change, echoing the values of equity, health, and sustainability that underpin the Sustainable Development Goals.
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