Collaborating with cotton growers,
our commitment to organic conversion
begins with seed selection.
This is our ORGANIC FIELD®.
ORGANIC FIELD is our initiative dedicated to supporting Indian cotton farmers in their transition to organic farming. Through this program, we aim to reduce environmental impact and improve their labor conditions in cotton-growing regions.
We actively purchase "Cotton in Conversion" — cotton grown during the three-year transition period toward full organic certification. By doing so, we encourage more farmers to take the first step toward organic practices and help expand the adoption of organic agriculture.
The cotton we source is carefully managed through an organic process from seed selection through to cotton cultivation and yarn production, and ensure its traceability.
Why the Transition
to Organic Farming is Necessary
Conventional cotton farming relies on thousands of tons of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and it causes soil, water and air pollution. The use of these chemical substances has negative impacts on biodiversity and disrupts the ecological balance. This method of agriculture, along with forestry and other land uses, also generates a large share of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to organic methods not only helps reduce the impacts on the global environment, but also protects farmers’ health and improves their working conditions.
Why Organic Cotton
Has Yet to Become Widespread
Organic cotton still represents only 1.4% of global cotton production*. One major reason behind this low percentage is the required three-year transition period before organic certification can be obtained. Transitioning farmland to organic takes a lot of time and effort, including improving soil health and eliminating chemicals. Cotton harvested during this period is referred to as “Cotton in Conversion”. Even though it is cultivated using the same methods as certified organic cotton, this cotton is not yet recognized as organic in the market, as the soil requires a certain period of time to meet organic standards. This lack of recognition and market value makes it difficult for farmers to commit to organic farming.
Our ORGANIC FIELD initiative addresses this challenge by not only providing guidance on organic farming techniques, but also paying a premium for cotton in conversion — from Year 1 (IC1) through Year 3 (IC3). This support encourages farmers to make the transition with confidence and we continue to support them even after certification is achieved.
＊Textile Exchange. Organic Cotton Market Report 2022.
https://textileexchange.org/app/uploads/2022/10/Textile-Exchange_OCMR_2022.pdf
2020-2024
ORGANIC FIELD was launched in response to the organic cotton fraud scandal that occurred in India in 2020, out of a sense of responsibility as a company handling cotton and a strong commitment to consistently deliver reliable organic cotton that consumers can trust.
- Conducted feasibility studies for organic cotton cultivation in the Nagpur region of central India
- Selected focus regions and invited local farmers to participate in the project
- Conducted a deeper investigation into the organic cotton fraud issue and identified its root causes, leading to a partnership with seed company NSL Group
- Selected non-GMO seeds for cultivation
- Began cotton farming with participating farmers
- Reintroduced the benefits of organic agriculture to farmers to raise awareness and motivation
First harvest of cotton under the ORGANIC FIELD initiative
- Strengthened technical training and education on organic farming practices
- Provided instruction on proper cotton storage methods to minimize contamination
- Supported farmers in the steady adoption of sustainable farming techniques
Began preparing necessary documentation to ship cotton in the process of obtaining organic certification
Initiated support programs to help certified farmers move toward independent and self-sustaining operations
To help farmers successfully transition to organic farming and become self-reliant in the long term, ORGANIC FIELD is built around six core initiatives.
Through these efforts, we are contributing toward job creation and local community development.
We regularly share on-the-ground updates from ORGANIC FIELD farms, including the cultivation and harvesting process, as well as progress on ongoing initiatives.
of ORGANIC FIELD
ORGANIC FIELD ensures complete traceability and control from farm to yarn. We use non-GMO seeds, cultivate cotton through organic farming methods, and harvest entirely by hand. From on-farm storage to the spinning process, we maintain strict management system to prevent contamination.
with non-GMO seeds
and chemical fertilizers
to protect fiber quality
(MCU-5)
the seed at the ginning factory
of contaminants
Our Partner in Ensuring Full Traceability
— from Seed to Spinning
Headquarters :
Hyderabad, Telangana, South-Central India
NSL, based in Hyderabad in Telangana State, in south-central India, was founded in the mid-1970s by Mr. M. Prabhakar Rao as a seed company. In the area of cotton production, NSL has leveraged its strength as India’s largest seed company to collaborate with farmers, undertaking production on approximately 8,000 hectares of farmland. NSL has established an integrated production system covering every stage from cotton cultivation through to spinning, weaving and finishing, which ensures traceability.
![パートナー [NSL Group]](https://en.stylem.co.jp/wp-content/themes/stylem_en/img/sustainability/organicfield/organicfield_nsl.jpg)
