New York: India and Mali have jointly highlighted the role of cotton in sustainable development, rural livelihoods and international trade at an event held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on October 7 to commemorate World Cotton Day.
Organised by the Permanent Missions of India and Mali to the United Nations, the event was held under the theme “Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership.” Discussions focused on strengthening cotton value chains, expanding domestic processing capacity, supporting small-scale producers and artisans, and improving market access for cotton-producing countries.
The observance also highlighted the importance of technology, sustainable textile manufacturing and international cooperation in ensuring that cotton generates greater economic value for farmers and workers.
India Highlights Four Priorities for Sustainable Cotton
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, highlighted the connection between cotton, self-reliance and India’s freedom struggle, recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s association with cotton and the spinning wheel.
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He outlined four priorities for strengthening the cotton sector:
- Improving producer livelihoods: Ensuring that cotton farmers and other producers receive better economic opportunities.
- Expanding value addition: Strengthening processing capabilities and improving access to domestic and international markets.
- Promoting sustainability: Encouraging environmentally responsible production and resource-efficient textile manufacturing.
- Strengthening technology and partnerships: Expanding cooperation, including South-South and triangular partnerships, to support cotton-producing countries.
Parvathaneni also emphasised the importance of affordable agricultural inputs and finance, alongside support for smaller enterprises, to help producing countries retain a greater share of the value generated by cotton.
Mali Calls for Greater Domestic Processing Capacity
Mali’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Issa Konfourou, highlighted cotton’s significance to the country’s economy and rural communities.
He identified several challenges facing cotton-producing countries, including limited domestic processing facilities, high input costs, difficulties accessing markets and trade-distorting support.
Konfourou outlined Mali’s efforts to expand domestic processing and generate employment through the cotton sector. He also welcomed mutually beneficial partnerships and identified India as an important partner in strengthening cooperation.
The discussions underscored the potential of local processing and textile manufacturing to help producing countries capture more economic value rather than relying primarily on raw cotton exports.
Indian MPs Highlight Traditional Crafts and Textile Manufacturing
Indian Members of Parliament Asit Kumar Mal and L. K. Sudhish shared examples of how cotton-based industries can support livelihoods, traditional skills and sustainable production.
Kantha Embroidery and Artisan Livelihoods
Asit Kumar Mal highlighted the contribution of Kantha embroidery in Bolpur, West Bengal, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can increase the value of cotton products while supporting women’s livelihoods.
His remarks emphasised the importance of:
- Fair remuneration for artisans.
- Affordable credit and financial support.
- Design development and skill enhancement.
- Better access to markets.
- Reuse of materials and resource efficiency.
The example illustrated how traditional textile crafts can contribute to sustainable livelihoods while preserving India’s cultural heritage.
Tamil Nadu’s Cotton Knitwear Industry
L. K. Sudhish highlighted Tamil Nadu’s experience in cotton knitwear and garment manufacturing, including the role of smaller enterprises, skilled workers and shared industrial infrastructure.
He also referred to the integrated textile park being developed under the PM MITRA initiative and the use of wastewater recovery and reuse in textile processing.
These examples highlighted the importance of combining manufacturing capacity with resource efficiency and improved infrastructure to strengthen textile value chains.
Mission for Cotton Productivity and Kasturi Cotton Bharat Highlighted
Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, outlined India’s approach to improving cotton productivity, quality and traceability.
She highlighted two initiatives:
- Mission for Cotton Productivity: An initiative aimed at improving cotton productivity and strengthening the sector.
- Kasturi Cotton Bharat: An initiative focused on promoting Indian cotton through improved quality, traceability and branding.
Singla also highlighted investments in textile infrastructure, support for artisans and small enterprises, and the importance of predictable trade conditions and market access for developing sustainable cotton value chains.
India’s position as a major cotton producer and consumer, alongside the sector’s importance to small and marginal farmers, formed an important part of the discussion.
World Cotton Day and International Cooperation
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed October 7 as World Cotton Day through Resolution 75/318. The observance draws attention to cotton’s contribution to economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing and least developed countries.
The event brought together representatives from several countries and international organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).
Speakers discussed opportunities to:
- Strengthen cotton value chains and support smallholder farmers.
- Expand local processing and manufacturing capacity.
- Improve market access for cotton-producing countries.
- Encourage the use of advanced science and technology.
- Support artisans and small enterprises.
- Deepen international partnerships for sustainable cotton production.
Representatives from Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Chad, the Netherlands, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Cameroon and Peru also participated in the discussions.
Participants additionally experienced Pen Kalamkari, a traditional Indian art form practised on cotton fabric, in a demonstration led by a master artisan from India.
The event highlighted the role of international cooperation, traditional craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing in expanding the economic opportunities associated with cotton.
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