The Chetna Project

Environment. Ethics. Equilibrium.

A FAIRTRADE INITIATIVE

Caring for the hand that sows the seed brings sweet fruit

The seed of our product line, raw cotton, germinates in clusters of small farms in India. We were the founding members of Chetna Organic Farmers Association, a producer co-operative which consists of 15,000 small and marginal organic cotton farmers in the states of Orissa, Telangana and Maharashtra.

CHETNA PROJECT IN NUMBERS (2022-2023)

RCM & THE CHETNA PROJECT

We have been sourcing our cotton from Chetna since its inception in 2004, and now purchase 80% of its annual organic cotton produce. The RCM-Chetna partnership provides a stable contract right from the beginning of the crop season, helping farmers secure bank loans and facilitating access to interest-free pre-finance of over 50 percent of the cotton harvest. Our partnership not only forges more sustainable cotton production, but also better livelihoods for workers.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The global topsoils will deplete in 60 years. Conventional agriculture still contributes up to 25% of the emissions driving the climate crisis. Agriculture contributes to 60% of the loss in biodiversity. Moreover, our farmers are exploited resulting in suffering rural economies. We at RCM believe that Regenerative organic agriculture is the next steps, and are actively moving towards being a part of the solution..

GOING BEYOND THE 'CERTIFIED ORGANIC' LABEL

Regenerative Organic Cotton

Regenerative Organic Cotton is a revolutionary method of cultivating cotton which helps upturn the environmental effects of industrial farming. Its primary goal is to preserve long-term soil health through sequestering carbon, minimizing water and fertilization usage. It ensures the highest standards in the world for:

  • Soil Health
  • Animal Welfare
  • Social Fairness
3 PILLARS OF ROC

I. Soil Health

ROC enhances soil moisture retention, lowers CO2 concentration, sustains soil composition, improves biodiversity and crop performance. ROC benefits Soil Health by ensuring:

  • Organic
  • Composting
  • Crop Cover
  • Crop Rotation
  • Intercropping
  • Low-to no-tilling
3 PILLARS OF ROC

II. Social Fairness

ROC promotes social fairness by closing the lopsided income gap and provides fair payments for farmers and living wages to our workees along with ensuring good working conditions. Through ROC we aim to provide:

  • Capacity Building
  • Democratic Organizations
  • Freedom of Association
  • Long Term Commitments
  • No Forced Labor
  • Transparency + Accountability
3 PILLARS OF ROC

III. Animal Welfare

ROC helps in monitoring livestock diets to meet land resources use and crop objectives. It also eliminates CAFOS. Livestock are grass fed/pasture raised and provided suitable shelter. Through ROC the 5 freedoms are guaranteed:

  • Freedom from discomfort
  • Freedom from fear & distress
  • Freedom from hunger
  • Freedom from pain, injury or disease
  • Freedom to express normal behavior
OUR CLIENTS

Brands that use Regenerative Organic Cotton