5.
Key successes
Although a baseline study was conducted in 2001 by a Mumbai-based
consultancy, it proved impossible to use this for full comparative
data, mainly due to methodological flaws and limited geographical
coverage. Instead, data has been gathered through questionnaire
and survey, and through comparison to the original baseline
where possible.
Evidence
of the successes of the project gathered through these means
have been as follows:
Productivity gains
620 farmers are now covered under organic cultivation of cotton
and 2400 acres of land is now under organic cultivation against
a target of 1500 acres. Total sales of cotton yarn and other
by products achieved between 2001-2004 was $ 923,690 and a
target of 3M garments was met through sale of fibre. Market
access is consistent, with production figures for the current
year increasing by 40 percent. Production has been able to
meet demand in terms of volume, quality and price, and the
demand for Agrocel cotton has been growing consistently.
Income
Farmer incomes have increased by about 15 percent. There is
evidence that young people in the area are making a choice
to get into agriculture rather than migrate to cities in search
of employment. Migration to urban areas from the project area
has decreased.
Business
impact
All farmers in the project have been certified organic by
Skal International and the entire supply chain used by Agrocel
has been certified – to include the ginning & spinning
mills, and the tailoring unit (which also covers the domestic
& export markets). There has been engagement with major
retailers (e.g. M & S) & fair trade companies (Bishopton
Trading, Oxfam Belgium). Brand identity has been created and
profile raised and brand position has been achieved through
a combination of consistent networking and marketing efforts.
The Agrocel website has been launched, and number of visits
to the site is increasing .
Environmental
impacts
There have been clear environmental gains from farmers moving
from conventional to organic farming in terms of better health
practice, soil conservation, use of appropriate technologies
(soil preparation, composting, preparation of pesticides,
crushing of cotton stalks). There is greater awareness resulting
in use of less water and less energy. Farmers have begun to
opt for drip irrigation (today over 1500 acres under drip
irrigation), water harvesting and conservation being carried
out. There is improvement in soil fertility due to rotational
crops / multi crop patterns (fodder species), as well as an
increase in natural control of pests and diseases (Agrocel
and farmers have developed over 10,000 recipes organised around
different pests and disease).Total Pesticides Pollution Units
(PPUs per 1000) has reduced from 580 to 28 (data up to 2003
only).
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