“RCS ensures the viability of cotton farming.”

Interview with Vijay Shah about Cotton Farming in India

June 2024 –To implement the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS) in India, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) collaborates with Vijay Cotton & Fibre Co. LLP, a family-run business with more than 75 years of experience in the cotton sector and significant expertise in the cultivation and worldwide trade of Indian cotton. In this interview, the company’s partner Vijay Shah explains the challenges farmers are facing in cotton cultivation in India and how the RCS can sustainably improve their situation.

Mr. Shah, the situation of the cotton production worldwide is far from being easy. How would you describe the situation in India?

Indian cotton farmers are facing several challenges. Fluctuating market prices and unpredictable credit situations make it difficult for the farmer to plan and invest effectively in their farms. In addition, cotton farmers continuously cultivate cotton without proper crop rotation and soil conservation, which leads to soil degradation, reduced fertility and, productivity. These issues combined leads the farmer in a vicious cycle of reduced yields and prolonged debt burdens.

How do you assess the consequences of climate change in India?

Unfortunately, changing climate patterns result in water scarcity or excess precipitation, affecting irrigation practices and leading to additional challenges in maintaining optimal soil moisture levels for cotton cultivation. In regions with irregular rainfall and limited irrigation facilities, water scarcity poses a significant challenge for cotton cultivation.

How difficult is it for farmers to deal with this?

The challenges can’t be underestimated. Climate change may force adjustments in the traditional crop calendar followed by cotton farmers, such as altering planting dates or switching to drought-resistant varieties, to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Can you describe the consequences of that?

Unfortunately, we observe that small-scale cotton farmers, already vulnerable due to socio-economic factors, face heightened vulnerability to those climate change impacts, including crop failures, debt burdens, and food insecurity.

Are Indian cotton farmers responding to this?

Of course they are. They are increasingly adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, such as rainwater harvesting, crop diversification, and agroforestry, to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on their livelihoods.

Against this backdrop, the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS) was founded to help smallholder farmers better manage the consequences of climate change through a holistic approach. Why did you decide to join RCS as the first partner in India?

The Vijay Cotton & Fibre Co. LLP already recognized the importance of promoting sustainable practices within the cotton industry to minimize environmental impact and support long-term viability. We quickly realized that RCS aligns with our goal of addressing climate change and sustainability. In addition, partnering with RCS can enhance transparency within our supply chain, allowing us to trace the origins of our cotton and ensure it is produced in accordance with sustainable and ethical standards.

What measures are you taking to implement RCS in India?

We are engaged with local farmers and communities to raise awareness about the benefits of regenerative agriculture and foster support for the RCS implementation initiatives. We are training Indian cotton farmers to implement regenerative agriculture practices outlined in the Regenerative Cotton Standard, by giving them continual technical assistance and the resources. We will also collaborate with local partners to integrate regeneratively produced cotton into our supply chain, ensuring traceability and compliance with the RCS criteria and principles.

And how does RCS actually support small-scale farmers to grow cotton sustainably and mitigate the effects of climate change?

The Regenerative Cotton Standard promotes sustainable farming practices for cotton production. It emphasizes regenerative agriculture techniques that aim to restore soil health and biodiversity. By improving soil quality, regenerative cotton farming can enhance carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The standard encourages reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Does the standard offer advantages to famers beyond regenerative cotton cultivation?

Certainly, it does. Verification according to the Regenerative Cotton Standard provides Indian cotton farmers with access to premium markets that prioritize sustainability, thereby increasing their income and market opportunities. The standard often emphasizes community engagement and empowerment, fostering cooperative initiatives among farmers and supporting local economies.

How do you assess the future role of RCS in Indian cotton production?

In this regard, one should particularly emphasise one point: By focusing on holistic farming practices that regenerate ecosystems, RCS ensures nothing less than the long-term viability of cotton farming in India. The Regenerative Cotton Standard simply helps to safeguard livelihoods and to preserve our natural resources for future generations.

 

About Regenerative Cotton Standard:

Developed by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), the Regenerative Cotton Standard® (RCS) is a voluntary standard for cotton grown by small-scale farmers using regenerative farming methods. RCS aims to improve the overall resilience and productivity of small-scale farming while adding value to farmland, rural communities, the biosphere, and the quality of life of farm animals. To achieve these aims, RCS targets the entire production system rather than only the cotton itself. Learn more at: regenerativecottonstandard.org/en.