Karnataka, US firm in organic cotton talks

Organic Exchange, the US-based non-profit organisation engaged in expanding organic agriculture, with a specific focus on increasing the production and use of organically grown fibres such as cotton, is in an advanced talks with Karnataka to promote cultivation of organic cotton.

The organisation is implementing similar projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Orissa.

According to Prabha Nagarajan, regional director "" India, farm development programme, Organic Exchange, "Our aim is to make India the leader in organic cotton in the next few years. Karnataka is known for growing high quality cotton in the northern parts of the state. Keeping this in mind, we have initiated a dialogue with the department of agriculture, Karnataka government to encourage the farmers in the state to switch over to organic cotton."

Organic Exchange proposes to involve the university of agricultural sciences (UAS), Dharwad, which has done a considerable research in developing new varieties of cotton and other non government organisations and state government to introduce organic cotton in the state.

"Karnataka government has given us a favourable response and we hope to implement the project from next growing season," she said.

"We have visited various parts of cotton growing areas of Karnataka and are in the process of finalising the detailed plan as to what extend of land will be brought under organic cotton and the number of farmers to be encouraged to switch over to organic process. Our aim is to start organic cultivation from the next season," she said.

Organic cotton commands between 8 and 20 per cent higher price realisation compared with cotton grown using pesticides, she added.

Currently, 30,000 acres are under cultivation of organic cotton and the country is expected to produce 11,000 tonne during the current year. Next year it is expected to touch 14,000 tonne.

Organic Exchange, Nagarajan said, will provide the detailed business plan to the state, arrange to supply technical support as well as provide long term buyback arrangement to the growers of organic cotton.

"We will also assist the farmers in attaining international certificate, which is absolutely must for export of organic cotton," she noted.

Currently, Organic Exchange is implementing six organic cotton projects in Orissa, one in Tamil Nadu.