Cotton Industry Partners with ILO to Promote Fair Labor Practices
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has joined forces with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to improve labor standards in the cotton industry. This collaboration aims to address concerns about child labor and other unfair practices associated with cotton production in India.
Freedom of association and collective bargaining: Ensuring workers have the right to form unions and negotiate fair working conditions.
Protecting children from exploitation and ensuring they have access to education.
Guaranteeing workers are not subjected to coercion or threats.
Creating an inclusive environment free from prejudice and bias.
Promoting safety measures and protecting workers' health.
This pilot program will be implemented in major cotton-growing districts of Madhya Pradesh for one year, starting in 2024. The goal is to create a more ethical and sustainable cotton industry that benefits both workers and farmers.
Addressing Concerns and Enhancing Reputation
This initiative comes in response to concerns raised by countries like the US about India's labor practices in the cotton industry. By ensuring fair and dignified working conditions, CITI hopes to improve the reputation of Indian cotton on the global stage and boost export potential.
Women's Role in Cotton Farming
It's important to note that a significant portion of cotton farmers in India are women, making up around 40% of the workforce. This highlights the need for initiatives that empower women and ensure their rights are protected.
Debunking Myths about Sugarcane Water Usage
In a separate development, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR) has released a report debunking the myth that sugarcane is a water-intensive crop. The report shows that sugarcane demonstrates exceptional water utilization efficiency, producing more cane per cubic meter of water than other crops like maize, rice, and wheat. Additionally, sugarcane requires less water than competing crops like maize and rice.