To highlight their joint dedication to sustainable textile practices, Premium Textile Mills and WWF Pakistan aim to drive positive change in the textile industry and contribute to the sustainable and ethical production of cotton, with the launch of the Premium Organic Cotton Project. Over the span of five years, from 2023 to 2027, the project wants to involve 1,000 farmers in organic cotton cultivation across 8,000 acres of land in the region of Pacca Chang in Sindh, which is said to be known for its unspoiled soil with no prior history of crop cultivation.
It is anticipated that the project will yield approximately 5,800 metric tons of seed cotton annually, resulting in a production of 2,030 metric tons of cotton lint. To ensure the project’s success, Premium Textile Mills will facilitate the capacity building of farmers in organic cotton cultivation and certification. This includes providing the project’s farmers with non-GMO seeds and establishing a supply chain for bio-pesticides and bio-fertilisers to support organic farming practices.
In collaboration with WWF Pakistan, the Premium Organic Cotton Project will undergo certification processes through the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Textile Exchange (OCS). WWF Pakistan will oversee the application of these certifications on behalf of the project and farmer’s field schools will offer support and guidance to the participating farmers throughout the cotton season.
Zaid Siddik, managing director of Premium Textile Mills commented: “The Premium Organic Cotton Project is of paramount importance to us, as it not only promotes sustainable and traceable cotton production but also reinforces our commitment to corporate social responsibility. “Our aim is to develop a dedicated supply chain that ensures traceability, transparency, and sustainability throughout the cotton production process.”
Pakistan has long held a prominent position in the global cotton market, ranking seventh in overall cotton production and tenth in organic cotton production. The potential for growth in the organic cotton sector in Pakistan is substantial, as indicated in a Textile Exchange report, suggesting a 405% growth opportunity. The report went on to say that during the 2020/2021 season, Pakistan contributed an estimated 0.6% to global organic cotton production, with 0.2% of the country’s total cotton production being certified as organic.
