Third Party Verifier (TPV) – OCA Farm Programme in Maharashtra & Rajasthan (2024-2025)

Change Alliance, as the third-party verifier for the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), is ensuring that the Farm Programme aligns with the expectations of global fashion brands and adheres to principles of Business & Human Rights, sustainability and regenerative agriculture. This initiative plays a vital role in strengthening the organic cotton supply chain in India by fostering transparency and trust.

Key Objectives of the project:

  • To collect comprehensive information across specific parameters on the organic cotton value chain to support informed decision-making for the organic cotton farm programme
  • To ensure the collection and analysis of GMO samples from farm and gin level to maintain the integrity of organic cotton.
  • To conduct data collection and validation to ensure accuracy and accountability throughout the supply chain.

Project Highlights:

  • The farm programme covers 19870 farmers across Maharashtra & Rajasthan.
  • We are working with 9 implementing partners across Maharashtra & Rajasthan
  • Out of the universe of farmers, we are currently conducting validation processes with 2092 Farmers to document practices and challenges.
  • We are collecting a total of 486 GMO samples and getting them tested and analysed in accordance with organic cotton standards.
  • Total Districts being covered – Maharashtra – 8 districts; Rajasthan – 3 districts

Project Impact:

We have developed a comprehensive understanding of the cotton sector in Maharashtra and Rajasthan and the challenges faced by farmers within this value chain. Our core team has conducted extensive fieldwork across eight districts in two states, engaging directly with farmers to identify their concerns and inform program strategies.

This project highlights our unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable farming practices, empowering marginal and smallholder farmers, fostering climate resilience, advancing gender equality in agriculture and related value chains, and supporting the holistic growth of organic cotton as a sustainable value chain.