7.
Next steps
With the success of the project, Agrocel & Vericott have
already scaled up the project. The production of organic cotton
in 2004-2005 will increase by 40 percent. Many new buyers are
indicating interest in the fibre. Project partners have also
been able to influence the Fair Trade Foundation and the Fairtrade
Labelling Organisations (FLO) on the standards developed around
cotton.
Agrocel is on the road to become certified as a producer for
basmati rice with FLO. This will increase its credibility to
get FLO certification for cotton and should help open up the
fair trade market for Agrocel cotton products.
Agrocel is now working towards implementing Phase II of the
project, which will be providing focused support to rotational
crops – with special attention to sesame, castor, and
gram (chickpea). This follow up project will also help to reduce
the risk that is inherent in cotton production, particularly
in the drought prone region of Kutch.
The follow-up work will build on the lessons learned and maximise
the findings from market research; namely, that investment in
these crops is economically feasible due to demand; that local
experience and expertise are available; that Agrocel is committed
to providing support services to farmers; that farmers are willing
to cultivate these crops in rotation to cotton. With the gains
previously made, and building on the learning that has taken
place, we are confident that the sustainability of organic cotton
farming can be reinforced, and that the project will continue
to help develop sustainable livelihoods for the farmers of rural
Gujarat.
For further
information, contact:
Geoffrey Bockett
International Development Director
E-mail
geoffb@traidcraft.org.uk
Tel: + 00 44 (0)191 4976528 (direct)
Fax: + 00 44 (0)191 4910391 (direct)
Web: Traidcraft
Exchange
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