Non-profit organisation, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has certified several cotton clusters in Uzbekistan, as per reports by the Uztuqimachiliksanoat press service.

Discussing this issue of cotton certification in the country, Rachel Beckett, Startup Support Program Manager, BCI and the representatives from the cotton industry held a meeting that highlighted the interest of foreign clothing brands in Uzbek cotton following the end of the Cotton Campaign boycott, The meeting also emphasised on the need to expand organic cotton production in the country.

Having abundant cotton resources and a comprehensive production cycle, Uzbekistan ensures seamless tracking of textiles enterprises from field to market, says Beckett.

Three of the six raw cotton clusters in the country are soon set to be officially recognised as eco-cotton producers. Currently, raw cotton in six clusters adheres to BCI standards under the Sustainable Cotton program of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). Farmers and business leaders in these clusters have received training from GIZ and BCI.

Dedicated to enhancing sustainable cotton growing practices, BCI aims to not only ensure the well-being of cotton-growing communities but also safeguard and restore the environment.

Currently, BCI works with approximately 2.4 million farmers across 25 countries, including the US, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. Farmers in these countries produced 23 per cent of the world’s total cotton output amounting to 6.2 million tons in 2022.

The cotton certified by BCI is utilised by leading brands such as H&M, Levi’s, Adidas, and Nike for their textile production.