Madhya Pradesh to get Rs. 10,000 crore Cotton & Textile hub in Dhar district

Indore, 7th October . Observing World Cotton Day, Solidaridad, in association with Alliance of Cotton and Textile Stakeholders on Regenerative Agriculture (ACRE) and Center for Responsible Business (CRB) organized a symposium on ‘Opportunities & Challenges in Promoting Regenerative Agriculture Cotton Value Chain in India,’ at Imperial Hall, Brilliant Convention Center, Indore on Monday.

With a diverse lineup of speakers, including sustainability managers, farmers, and experts, the symposium aims to create a platform for collaborative dialogue and innovative solutions to promote a regenerative agricultural practices in a sustainable cotton economy in India. The symposium also talked about fair inclusion and fair voice for regen agri certified farmers amidst striking a balance with the textile industry.

Member of Parliament, honourable Shree Shankar Lalwani, mentioning about the importance of Cotton Say said that, “There are ample of opportunities to explore in Madhya Pradesh so far as cotton farming is concerned. Presently, conversion from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture is a boon for cotton farming.

Solidaridad has been working towards promoting regenerative agricultural practices among cotton farmers. The government is also working towards expanding the cotton area in Madhya Pradesh. In the wake of this, we are setting up a 10,000 crore cotton hub is being set up in Sardarpur, a village in Dhar district. We are continuously making efforts for farmers to have a fair price for their yield and will continue to do so.”

Post the address, he also signed a Note of Affirmation to support regenerative agricultural practices in cotton value chain, and also support rural entrepreneurship in cotton sector by actively generating opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, farmer producer companies, and small-scale rural businesses within the cotton sector.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Suresh Motwani, General Manager Solidaridad said, “On this World Cotton Day, we are reminded that cotton is not just a crop but a lifeline for millions of farmers and their families.

Solidaridad as a knowledge resource organization has been working with more than two lakh cotton farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana states. As we look to the future, the need for sustainable practices in the cotton value chain has never been more pressing. By embracing regenerative agriculture and innovative solutions, we can transform cotton production into a force for environmental stewardship and social equity, ensuring a sustainable livelihood for farmers while protecting our ecosystems for future generations.”

– Dr. Suresh Motwani, Regional Head, Solidaridad
Giving an overview of ACRE, Mr. Ranjeeb Sarma said, “As we celebrate World Cotton Day, we recognize the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture in the cotton sector. ACRE is committed to driving innovation and collaboration across the cotton value chain to ensure sustainability from the soil to the store. By empowering farmers with climate-smart practices and fostering partnerships with industry
stakeholders, we aim to position India as a global leader in regenerative cotton production, securing a resilient future for both our farmers and the environment,”
“On World Cotton Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the role that sustainable practices play in shaping the future of cotton production. We believe that regenerative agriculture is the key to balancing environmental sustainability with the economic well-being of millions of farmers. By fostering collaborations across the cotton value chain, we can ensure that India’s cotton industry not only thrives but also contributes to the global movement for responsible and ethical production.”

– Rijit Sengupta, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Responsible Business (CRB)
Mr. Arvind Rewal, IKEA also mentioned in the industry outlook session that “ACRE is doing a great job in creating awareness about regenerative agriculture in the cotton value supply chain and we are in complete support in the longer run.”

Three insightful panel discussions focusing on various aspects of cotton value chain were held during the symposium. Farmers, government officials and industry experts discussed on ACRE’s vision, industry outlook in opportunities and challenges in practicing regenerative agriculture and ways to promote Farmer Empowerment and Industry Outlook for a Sustainable Cotton Future.

The symposium concluded with a vote of thanks.

About Solidaridad:
Solidaridad as a resource organization is consistently providing grass-root extension services to farmers who are beyond the reach of formal extension infrastructure. Farmers are capacitated with knowledge and skills on climate-resilient practices, to improve soil health through ecological methods, to promote water use efficiency, and generate awareness on good nutrition and health.

About ACRE:
The ACRE Platform is a pioneering initiative designed to support cotton farmers in adopting regenerative agricultural practices. It focuses on building capacity, improving farmer livelihoods, and fostering sustainability by creating a secure market for regenerative cotton. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and a collaborative approach, ACRE promotes environmental conservation, soil health, and smallholder farmer benefits across various cotton landscapes in India. The platform also aims to raise awareness among consumers and industry players, making regenerative cotton a mainstream choice.