Cotton and India: A Shared Legacy
Cotton has always been part of India’s story. For centuries, it has touched lives in simple, everyday ways. From clothing a nation to symbolizing self-reliance through Khadi during the Swadeshi movement, cotton is integral to India’s identity.
Today, India is amongst the world’s largest producer, consumers and exporter of cotton. Over 8 million farmers grow it, while another 40–50 million people are engaged in its trade, processing, and allied sectors. India’s textile industry contributes 14% to industrial production, 4% to GDP, and over 14% to export earnings. Yet behind these impressive numbers lies the enduring story of millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on cotton and whose future rests on how we nurture this natural fiber.
About COTAAP Research Foundation
For us, Cotton is more than a crop. It is a source of livelihood, progress, and possibility for millions of Indian farmers. Established in 1987 as a not-for-profit organization, we work to strengthen India’s cotton value chain with a simple goal: to make cotton farming more sustainable, productive, and viable.
Our efforts focus on two core missions:
- Cotton Agronomics — equipping farmers with knowledge, practices, and resources that improve yields and thereby livelihoods.
- Cotton Promotion — inspiring consumers to choose natural fiber cotton by highlighting its comfort, versatility, and sustainability.
From supporting farmers in the field to creating awareness in the marketplace, COTAAP is dedicated to strengthening the cotton value chain and support the farmers whose lives depend on it.
Cotton Agronomics
To build a vibrant and sustainable Indian cotton industry by empowering farmers with knowledge, tools, and community support thus boosting yields and improving livelihoods.
Key Strategies for Cotton Agronomics
- Leveraging Agricultural Developments to benefit farmers increase their yield
- Farmer Education
- Creating networks
Cotton Promotion
To play the lead role in ensuring the supremacy of King Cotton by increasing consumption at the end consumer level.
Key Strategies for Cotton Promotion:
- Demand Enhancement
- Create awareness about benefits of Cotton
- Active partner support
- Identity and Image building
Our Trustees
Mr. Dhiren Sheth
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Trustee 2
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Trustee 3
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