The United Nations (UN)’s World Cotton Day (WCD) is annually observed across the globe on 7 October to raise the visibility of the cotton sector and create awareness about its critical role in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation.
- The day also highlights the need for sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.
- 7th October 2024 marks the observance of the 4th World Cotton Day.
Background:
i.The idea of World Cotton Day was initiated in 2019, when 4 cotton producers in sub-Saharan Africa– Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, known as the Cotton Four -proposed the World Trade Organization(WTO) for the observance of World Cotton Day celebration on October 7.
ii.In August 2021, The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/75/318 and declared the 7th of October of every year as World Cotton Day.
iii.The first-ever World Cotton Day was observed on 7th October 2021.
Importance of Cotton:
i.Cotton, the natural fabric, sustains 32 million growers (almost half of them women) and benefits over 100 million families across 80 countries in 5 continents.
ii.China, India, Pakistan, the United States of America(USA), and Uzbekistan, account for over 70% of world cotton production.
iii.Over the last decade China and India have been leading the world cotton production.
Events 2024:
i.In 2024, World Cotton Day was celebrated on 7th October 2024 in Cotonou, Benin, marking the 1st time the event will be held in the country.
ii.This also marks the 1st WCD celebrated on the African Continent.
iii.The event titled “Cotton For Good” is jointly organized by the Government of Benin and the Secretariat of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), WTO, the International Trade Center (ITC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Ministry of Textiles celebrates ‘World Cotton Day’ 2024
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles, attended the celebration of World Cotton Day 2024 held in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The conference was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Textiles, Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI) and Cotton Corporation of India focusing on the theme of “Megatrends Shaping Cotton Textile Value Chain”.
Additional info:
i.The Union Minister reiterated the commitment of the government to achieve the target of USD 350 billion by 2030 including the export target of USD 100 billion. India’s textile Ecosystem is currently valued at USD 176 billion.
ii.The Union Minister of Textiles visited the exhibitor stalls showcasing Kasturi cotton products, recycled textiles, products of scrap fabrics, Handloom products etc.
ii.Rachna Shah, Textiles Secretary, urged the cotton value chain stakeholders to concentrate on increasing cotton productivity, as India ranks 35th in terms of yield.
Leading Organisations signed MoUs with TEXPROCIL to promote Kasturi Cotton Bharat Brand
During the event organised by the Ministry of Textile, leading industry organisations signed a Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Sunil Patwari, Chairman of The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) to promote Kasturi Cotton Bharat, India’s premium cotton brand, across the cotton value chain.
Details of the MoU:
i.CITI and TEXPROCIL signed a MoU to promote awareness and enhance the quality of Indian cotton, ensuring farmers benefit from the Kasturi Cotton mark. The MoU was signed by Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, CITI
- Under this MoU, CITI aims to optimise cotton production across hectares under the CITI-Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA) Sustainability Program.
ii.Jyoti Kapoor, Country Director – India, Better Cotton Initiative signed an MoU to support sustainably sourced cotton, reinforcing one of the key pillars of the Kasturi Cotton initiative.
ii.Dr Pradeep Kumar Agarwal, Trident Group also signed an MoU to utilise over 500,000 bales of Kasturi Cotton over the next two cotton seasons, while Vardhman Group pledged to process 21,000 bales during the upcoming season.
iii.Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), signed an MoU with TEXPROCIL to promote the brand among its members, amplifying Kasturi Cotton’s presence across fashion and apparel platforms.
iv.The Brands and Sourcing Leaders Association (BSL) also signed a MoU to enhance the global marketing and branding of Kasturi Cotton, using its expertise to integrate cotton into contemporary fashion designs.
v.Kinner Lakhani, Chief Operating Officer(COO), CottonConnect, has partnered with TEXPROCIL to support farmers align their cultivation with Kasturi Cotton’s quality standards, fostering responsible growth practices and enhancing farmer livelihoods
