INDIA/INTERNATIONAL
The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) is hosting its Stakeholder Event India 2024: Scaling Organic Cotton in India over 27-28 November in New Delhi. Bringing together farmers, brands, suppliers, manufacturers and public sector representatives, the event aims to foster collaboration and accelerate sustainable growth across the organic cotton value chain. It highlights India’s global leadership in organic cotton production and OCA’s support for the country’s farming communities.
“India is at the heart of the global organic cotton movement, and the progress we’ve achieved here since starting our work in 2016 demonstrates what’s possible when farmers, brands, and industry leaders come together. Scaling organic cotton isn’t just about increasing production—it’s about creating lasting value for farmers, protecting the environment, and strengthening the textile industry,” said Bart Vollaard, OCA’s Executive Director.
OCA currently works with close to 110,000 farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana. Last season, farmers in the OCA Farm programme produced over 102,000 metric tons of seed cotton across 103,000 hectares of farmland.
By providing training, access to high-quality non-genetically modified seeds, and premium payments on top of market prices, OCA empowers farmers to transition to profitable organic practices. Last season, farmers participating in OCA’s Farm Programme received an 8% premium contributing to better livelihoods.
OCA’s approach on scaling organic cotton aligns with the Government of India’s 5F Initiative—launched earlier this year at Bharat Tex—for an integrated and sustainable textile value chain. Organic cotton not only supports rural communities but also enables the textile industry to meet the rising global demand for sustainably sourced products.
Key themes and sessions
Exclusively open to OCA contributors, partners and key stakeholders, the event offers an engaging platform to explore critical themes shaping the future of organic cotton.
A key highlight of the event will be a delegation of 13 farmers, represented in the inaugural session and a dedicated panel discussion. Attendees will hear directly from farmers, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges they face, the opportunities they see, and the tangible impact of OCA’s programmes and partnerships.
“Through this event, I hope that brands will come forward to encourage women farmers and buy our organic products at a price higher than the market price. I also thank OCA, whose efforts are giving small and tribal farmers the opportunity to connect with the international market,” said AKRSPI farmer Sangita Bai Munna.
The event will explore key impact areas in OCA’s Farm Programme, including decent work in cotton farming, focusing on creating safe, equitable, and sustainable working conditions for farmers and farm workers. Climateinitiatives will take centre stage, showcasing how climate-focused strategies are unlocking new opportunities for organic cotton. These discussions will highlight efforts to meet the industry’s climate goals while helping farming communities adapt to a changing climate. The importance of direct-to-farm sourcing will also be spotlighted, emphasising its role in fostering transparency and building resilience across the supply chain. Finally, attendees will gain insights into market trends, including trade dynamics, emerging technologies, and the rising global demand for sustainably sourced textiles. These insights will equip stakeholders to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape effectively.
The event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Arvind, Suminter India Organic, Pratibha Syntex, Square Corporation, RSB Cottex, Ploughman Agro, Milan Group, Partech and Salona Cotspin.
