When it comes to cotton, many think of large companies that are responsible for cultivation. However, according to Solidaridad numbers from 2023, the fact is that 70 percent of the global cotton is produced by small farmer: on the inside, i.e. from (family) operations between less than ten hectares.
Four main factors ensure that agriculture is largely the loss of biodiversity in the world – with around 35 million hectares or 2.5 percent of the global arable land, cotton cultivation also contributes to this: the intensive use of agrarchemicals, the expansion of monocultures, poor water management and the conversion of natural areas in arable land.
Reduce negative effects of cotton cultivation on biodiversity
The new report “Cotton and Biodiversity”, jointly published by the civil society organization Solidaridad and the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) interest group, compares the effects of large companies and small farmer: inside on biodiversity. It emphasizes the important role that small farmer: contribute to preserving and restoring biological diversity with their organic or regenerative farming.
Large farms often use modern technologies such as mechanized irrigation or drones and planes to broadly distribute agricultural chemicals, which can negatively influence biodiversity. Even if you have the resources for biodiversity protection at the landscape level, a large part of these companies relies on the intensive use of agrochemistry according to the study leader. The report refers to holistic cultivation methods that would not only maintain the biodiversity, but would promote.
“Agriculture can make an important contribution to the preservation of biodiversity – if it is operated in harmony with nature,” commented Tamar Hoek, Senior Policy Director for sustainable fashion at Solidaridad. “But before cotton cultivation can really be ecologically and economically sustainable, we must first make up for what has already been lost due to the excessive use of chemicals, land conversion, monocultures and bad water management.”
“Small farmer: Inside, if you switch to ecological cultivation, your businesses will be more resistant and biodiverse. Our recent life cycle analysis shows: The ecological cultivation reduces environmental pollution such as greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and chemical pollution. Long-term investments and commitment to companies, governments and the entire supply chain to scale these initiatives and secure a future in which cotton cultivation becomes a booster for biodiversity, ”adds OCA Managing Director Bart Vollaard.
The report also offers an overview of the three types of biodiversity (genetically and related to species and the ecosystem) and the effects of agrarchemicals to reduce chemicals.
He also gives an overview of monocultures and how to avoid them through alternating and mixed cultures. Further sections deal with the water management and conversion to agriculture and the effects on biodiversity.
Finally, successful case studies are mentioned and recommendations for retail companies, brands, governments, organizations and other actors are given: on the inside.
Case studies: The potential of sustainable cultivation practices
Solidaridad worked in the harvest year 2020/2021 with 8,000 cotton farmers: Inside in the Indian state of Maharashtra to introduce regenerative cultivation practices according to the Rainagri certification system. Five years later, 39,498.05 hectares of cotton space have been managed according to regenerative principles (1 percent of the regional cotton area) and 12 to 18 percent higher yields. In addition, water consumption was reduced by 35 percent and the cultivation costs were between 12 and 30 percent.
“Sustainable agriculture has changed my fields: fewer chemicals, lower costs and grown harvests. I secure a better future for my company and the environment,” confirms cotton farmer Samala Venkateshwarlu.
A project implemented by OCA in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh followed the farmer: Interior couple Rama and Sajan Bhilji, which has converted their farm to ecological cotton cultivation in the past five years. They rely on mixed crops to improve soil fertility and attract pollinators.
In addition to cotton, mung beans, shrubs and sunflowers also grow in their fields. Improving mixed cultures. Soil cover such as beans and black mung beans prevent erosion and nourish the soil, while marigolds serve as natural pest control. Neem, bamboo, acacia, mango and breastberry (Jujube) grow on the edges, which as a living fence donate shadows, attract birds and bees and keep the floor moist.
“Every plant, every tree, every insect has its job. I build up a healthy system that carries itself,” says Rama Bhilji.
The complete report can be downloaded from the Sustainable Cotton Hub’s website.
- Small farmers: Inside, 70 percent of global cotton produce, often based on ecological and regenerative methods that stop the loss of biodiversity.
- A new report compares the effects of large companies and small farmers: inside the biodiversity and emphasizes the importance of ecological cultivation methods.
- Sustainable cultivation practices such as mixed cultures and reduced chemicals can increase yields, reduce water consumption and protect biodiversity.