A year drawing to a close marks a time of reflection for many. And for two of the industry’s relentlessly hopeful sectors—farming and retail—it’s also a time to take stock and consider the outlook for next year. In the farming branch, cotton prices have been stable but low, which has made it a tough time for growers. But this stability could benefit apparel makers and retailers that take advantage of the lower pricing. “This stability in raw material pricing may be one bright point in the sea of uncertain ...

Core Insights - The meeting held in Lahore aimed to identify priorities for sustainable scaling of organic cotton production in Pakistan, involving stakeholders from various sectors [1] - The event focused on investment options and accountability to enhance supply chain transparency and build market connections for organic cotton [2] Group 1: Stakeholder Collaboration - The OCA executive director emphasized the importance of collaboration among farmers, industry, policymakers, researchers, and civil society to strengthen local markets and create opportunities for rural communities [3] - OCA aims to support over 10,000 organic cotton farmers in the 2025-2026 season, operating on nearly 60,000 hectares across Baluchistan, Punjab, and Sindh provinces [3][4] Group 2: Production and Support - The forecast for the upcoming season is approximately 16,000 metric tonnes of lint cotton produced by these farmers [4] - OCA partners with local groups to provide essential resources such as non-genetically modified seeds, agronomic training, financial guidance, and market access [4] Group 3: Technological Advancements - OCA introduced digital tools to improve data collection and transparency within the organic cotton sector, aiding decision-making along the value chain [5] - The organization has enhanced laboratory procedures for testing organic integrity and tailored its training curriculum to meet local needs [5] Group 4: Long-term Vision - The country manager highlighted that transitioning to organic cotton is a pathway to greater stability for farming communities, emphasizing a collaborative supply chain approach [6]

Core Viewpoint - The recent decision to remove the 11% import duty on cotton in India has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the tension between the textile industry and cotton farmers, with the former seeking relief from high tariffs and the latter facing economic distress due to low yields and rising production costs [1][3][5]. Group 1: Industry Impact - The removal of the import duty has led to a surge in demand for foreign cotton, providing a much-needed lifeline for exporters and mill owners facing challenges from U.S. tariffs [5][6]. - The textile sector in India has struggled to compete with neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which benefit from lighter duties and taxes [3]. - The U.S. accounts for 28% of India's total textile and apparel exports, valued at approximately $11 billion annually, making the textile industry highly sensitive to trade policy changes [13]. Group 2: Farmer Concerns - Cotton farmers are experiencing significant economic pressure, with yields as low as 400 kilograms per hectare compared to Brazil's 2,200 kilograms per hectare, leading to calls for higher minimum support prices (MSP) and debt waivers [1][7][14]. - The timing of the duty removal coincides with the cotton harvesting season, raising concerns among farmers about its impact on their livelihoods [8][9]. - Farmers have expressed alarm over rising production costs and stagnant yields, emphasizing that the issue is not solely about duties but about survival [7][9]. Group 3: Political and Economic Context - The political backdrop is tense, with the U.S. pressuring India to open its agricultural markets, which has fueled resentment among Indian farmers [10][11]. - Industry representatives have suggested a seasonal compromise, proposing that duties be dropped during the off-peak months to balance the needs of both farmers and the textile industry [12]. - The government faces challenges in balancing global trade pressures with domestic agricultural priorities, reflecting broader contradictions in India's economy [16][17].