CottonConnect and TEXPROCIL announce a new partnership to increase the production and quality of sustainable Indian cotton
CottonConnect and The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) have launched a formal partnership to promote ‘Kasturi Cotton’, India’s branded cotton initiated by TEXPROCIL under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India which is traceable and qualified based on benchmarked parameters.
Through creating awareness among cotton stakeholders like farmers and ginners, the collaboration aims to facilitate an increased supply of Kasturi Cotton. The partnership will help promote Kasturi Cotton for the manufacturing of intermediate as well as finished products, both in the Indian and international markets.
As one of the world's largest producers of cotton1, India’s cotton sector employs over 40 million people, holding immense importance for both the local and global economy, as well as the sustainability progress of the apparel and textile industry.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between CottonConnect and TEXPROCIL outlines a commitment to increase awareness and production of quality Indian cotton under the Kasturi brand, which focuses on not only textile quality, but also transparency and traceability of the product from gin to garment.
As an autonomous, non-profit body dedicated to the promotion of exports, TEXPROCIL will focus on promoting Kasturi Cotton, while CottonConnect will offer training and other related support to cotton farmers, ginners and brands for boosting a regular supply of quality cotton. Through CottonConnect, the second phase will focus on developing Kasturi Cotton standard which aims to enhance farmer- and farm-related best practices combined with decent work.
Jointly, the two organisations will focus on several key areas, including:
Promoting Kasturi Cotton by identifying ginners from cotton growing states and onboarding interested individuals into Kasturi Cotton programmes.
Educating farmers on producing better quality cotton sustainably through workshops, seminars, or events
Offering traceability details through CottonConnect’s TraceBale: to validate the additional claims of sustainability of ‘organic’ and ‘regenerative’ as per the sourcing of cotton, which will support the claims made by brands.
Long-term collaboration on various CottonConnect programmes such as the REEL (Responsible Environment Enhanced Livelihoods) Cotton Programme.
Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect, said, “It is an honour to partner with TEXPROCIL to promote Kasturi Cotton, an innovative and sustainable approach to Indian cotton production. This collaboration not only celebrates the heritage and quality of Indian cotton but also strengthens our shared commitment to sustainability and responsible supply chains. Together, we aim to empower farmers, promote sustainable practices, and position Kasturi Cotton as a symbol of excellence in both domestic and global markets.”
Mr. Sunil Patwari, Chairman of TEXPROCIL, added, “Cotton is the backbone of India's textile industry and a vital pillar of our economy. This partnership with CottonConnect is a significant step towards enhancing the quality and productivity of Indian cotton through the Kasturi standard, ensuring that our farmers thrive and our exports remain competitive globally. By focusing on responsible practices, we are strengthening the position of Kasturi Cotton as a sustainable, premium cotton brand that will shape the future of the cotton value chain worldwide.”
About TEXPROCIL - The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council
Since its inception in 1954, as an autonomous, nonprofit body dedicated to promotion of exports, The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council, popularly known as TEXPROCIL has been the international face of cotton textiles from India facilitating exports worldwide. TEXPROCIL has successfully established the presence of the Indian Textiles Industry as a reliable source of cotton textiles in the international markets. The Council enables better.
