Cotton is globally the most important fibre plant. Organic cultivation of cotton enables the farmers to cultivate environmentally-friendly cotton without health risks, and, at the same time, it reduces the dependency on credits for seed, fertilizer, and plant protection inputs.
The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) is engaged in several research activities on cotton cultivation within India and Africa. FiBL is involved in testing productivity and the potential of organic cotton cultivation in comparison to conventional cotton production schemes, as well as the contribution of organic cotton for food security and climate adaptation strategies. Through plant breeding programs, the seed sovereignty of smallholder farmers is re-established.
The following pages provide background information about cotton production and current cotton projects of FiBL, including publications and news.