Sourcing of certified organic cotton clothing on rise

09 Jan '10

2 min read

The traditional methods of cotton farming need to undergo a drastic change as per the changing requirements of the user community at large. Retailers are now increasingly sourcing clothing manufactured from cotton cultivated by avoiding use of pesticides and chemical.

Global renowned apparel and fashion retailers, more so European ones, like Adidas, Ikea, Marks and Spencer and H&M on account of increasing awareness and pressure from their consumers are getting their clothing manufactured from certified cotton.

One European retailer has already notified its sourcing chain of its intention to buy cotton textile goods manufactured with best management practices in 2010. This initiative will lead many other retailers to follow suit in the coming years.

If imparted proper training, these best management practices not only increase the gross profit margins of the farmers but also results in substantial saving of water of up to 38.58 percent and pesticides use falls by 40.25 percent, when compared with traditional methods of cultivating cotton.

Pesticide consumption in cotton farming is very high when corresponded with other crops. By adopting these best practices, net incomes of farmers can grow by around 30-35 percent, as at the same time it delivers higher yields, apart from which, organic cotton also commands a premium in price, to its traditional counterpart.

Fibbre2fashion News Desk - India

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