India is the world’s second-largest producer of cotton. Sustainable textiles start with sustainable cotton, and producers like Fairtrade certified Chetna Organics.

The cooperative Chetna Organic Agriculture Producer Company Ltd became Fairtrade certified in 2004, with 300 farmer members in the state of Telangana. It has expanded since then to two other states, uniting 9,000 small-scale producers and benefiting their communities. The cooperative’s members produce 10,000 metric tonnes of cotton every year.

One key area has been the support Chetna provides to farmers to adopt organic farming methods. For instance, the small community of Halugudha, with 35 families, began 10 years ago to learn organic farming methods thanks to Chetna. Fairtrade Premium funds paid for non-genetically-modified seeds, so the families could switch away from the genetically-modified variety they had been using. Their farm expenses dropped because they no longer had to buy chemical fertilisers, their crop yield increased thanks to learning organic methods of pest control and fertilisation, and their incomes also grew. Through one initiative, Chetna provides families with cows, so that dung is available to contribute to organic fertiliser, while milk supplements the families’ diets and excess can be sold to earn additional income.

Sushila Gedam is a farmer and member of Chetna. “Fairtrade and Chetna Organics revolutionised our cotton farming into a sustainable practice,” she says. 

Trainings provided by experts from the cooperative teach farmers best practices before planting, mid-season, and during harvest time. “During the pre-season training, we learned seed planting techniques and the application of organic fertilisers. Mid-season training focused on controlling insects and pests, and in harvest training we acquired skills in carefully picking and storing cotton, as well as strategies for selling our products in the market at competitive prices.”

Women gained an added benefit through Chetna’s trainings, as they developed leadership and decision-making skills. Leadership opportunities were identified for 200 women, such as managing new plant nurseries that add to biodiversity on the farms.

Sushila is herself now also a trainer, sharing her knowledge and contributing to the wellbeing of farm families and communities. “Through these trainings, we women have gained significant awareness about organic farming, biodiversity practices, and women’s empowerment.”