PEOPLE
Meet the farmers and trainers of the Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme
2023 marks 10 years of supporting farmers through the Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme (PSCP) in partnership with CottonConnect and our local partners which trains farmers in more sustainable cotton farming methods.
2023 marks 10 years of supporting farmers through our Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme (PSCP) in partnership with CottonConnect and our local partners, which train farmers in more sustainable cotton farming methods.
Our objective in creating the PSCP was to understand and reduce the environmental impact of our cotton, support the education of cotton farmers and explore how we could change the way we sourced cotton. The programme launched with 1,251 female farmers in Gujarat, India. Ten years on, it has grown to become the largest of its kind of any single fashion retailer.
Climate change is already impacting many people in our supply chain and women are some of the most vulnerable. This milestone marks the beginning of a new decade in which we will continue to support the education of thousands of farmers and aim to promote resilience in the face of a changing climate.
A spotlight on the women of the Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme
Women are at the heart of the PSCP. In fact, they make up more than 80% of the farmers being trained within the programme. Supporting the farmers so that they can build greater resilience among their farming communities is at the centre of our PSCP.
Meet some of the women at the centre of our PSCP in India
Building confidence, improving farmer livelihoods
Lalita – PSCP trainer, Gujarat, India
The trainee turned trainer. Lalita joined the PSCP to learn how to farm cotton more sustainably and then become a trainer herself. Her mission is to support the women farmers and to give them greater independence. Being a trainer on the PSCP has helped to fund the education of her children and today, her younger daughter is a physiotherapist. She has also noticed her own confidence increase as she has trained more women.
Lalita says...
“There have been changes within me as well... I now hold a position of respect both at home and in society, because we train the women in a way that brings changes to their lives.”
Geeta and Aruna - PSCP trainers, Meshana, India
Meet Geeta and Aruna, trainers with the PSCP. They both feel their role has allowed them to grow in confidence and now feel comfortable speaking in public and teaching the women in their community. They want other women in their community to become trainers with the PSCP.
Geeta says...
"Earlier I knew nothing about cotton farming, how to do farming and what's involved. But after joining this programme, I've learned a lot about farming.”
Responding to a changing climate
Kanchanben - PSCP farmer, Mohd, India
Kanchanben grows cotton and moong (mung bean) on her two-acre village plot in Mohd Village, India and says she is experiencing more extreme heat: “The high temperatures can be overwhelming, prompting us to seek shelter in the shade.” Additionally, hotter temperatures have increased the number of insects threatening her crops.
Using the organic spray advised by the PSCP team instead of chemical-heavy pesticides, Kanchanben has been able to sustain her cotton crop successfully year on year: “When you apply the prescribed treatment as instructed, your cotton crop will thrive remarkably.”
She has learned new techniques through our PSCP, like keeping insects at bay with methods like sticky traps. She uses the money she saves to buy school supplies for her children and cover other home expenses. Kanchanben’s knowledge-sharing spirit benefits her entire family, as she passes on the techniques she has learnt to others.
Kanchanben says...
"When insects that fly around come, they land on the paper, and there's no need to spray insecticides.”
Heenaben - PSCP trainer and Senior Coordinator SEWA, Gujarat, India
Heenaben has worked with SEWA for over 30 years. Heenaben says climate change has impacted farming in the region and that heavy rainfall or excessive heat can cause problems for cotton growth and lead to rising costs. Heenaben and her team are training women farmers in agricultural skills that allow them to adapt and protect their crops against the changing weather.
Heenaben says...
“We’ve learned a lot from this programme and the women have gained a lot of benefits. It’s not just about receiving education and leaving – its continuous education for three years."
Sharing knowledge with the community
Zala - PSCP farmer, Muhad, India
Zala is a farmer living in Muhad village. For the last two years, Zala has learnt new agricultural skills relating to land preparation and sowing, crop management and harvesting through the Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme. She uses the homegrown produce to cook meals for her family and sells anything leftover at the local market. The money she earns is used to support her children’s education and cover general household costs. Zala has found the programme extremely beneficial for both herself and the other female farmers in the village who are also learning more sustainable farming methods.
Zala says...
“I have also practiced inter cropping, cultivating crops like moong, guar, and various vegetables including tomatoes.”
Primark has committed to train 275,000 farmers through the programme by the end of 2023. You can find out more about the programme here.
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