Cotton has long been the lifeline of rural economies in India, supporting millions of farming families and powering one of the world's largest textile industries. Yet, the sector faces complex challenges ranging from price fluctuations and soil erosion to climate variability and unsustainable input practices. Against this backdrop, organizations like the Ambuja Foundation and the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) are working together to transform the cotton landscape, making it more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.
As Chandrakant Kumbhani, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Community Development at the Ambuja Foundation, says, "Cotton presents a huge opportunity. By adopting sustainable practices, increasing productivity, and adding value to the cotton value chain, India can strengthen farmers' resilience while also positioning cotton as the sustainable natural fiber of the future."
Ambuja Foundation's long-standing partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative has been central to this transformation. Reflecting on this collaboration, Jyoti Narayan Kapoor, Country Director (India), Better Cotton Initiative, said, "Since the launch of the Better Cotton Initiative, India's cotton farming communities have consistently demonstrated their commitment to sustainability and willingness to adopt new practices.
The impact of this collaboration has been significant. BCI's 2023 India Impact Report, its first country-specific study, documented measurable progress across multiple growing seasons, particularly in areas such as reduced pesticide and water use and improved yields and profitability for farmers. "We saw how pesticide and water use decreased sharply, while yields and profits increased," says Kapoor. BCI is excited by the success being seen across India and looks forward to a bright future based on collaboration and commitment to both people and the planet.
At the core of both organizations' work lies the shared belief that sustainability in cotton is not just about better farming, but about better lives. As Kumbhani aptly concludes, "Investing in sustainable cotton is ultimately an investment in farmers, families, and people in rural communities. The journey ahead demands collective action across government, industry, research institutions, and civil society to ensure that cotton remains not only the world's most widely used natural fiber, but also one of the most sustainable."
Together, the Ambuja Foundation and the Better Cotton Initiative exemplify how strategic partnerships, farmer-centered innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability can help India reimagine its cotton sector, ensuring that the fiber of our daily lives remains deeply connected to the well-being of those who grow it.
