New York: India and Mali jointly commemorated World Cotton Day at the United Nations headquarters on October 7, bringing together diplomats, lawmakers and international organisations to discuss sustainable cotton production, livelihoods and opportunities to strengthen global value chains.
The event, organised by the Permanent Missions of India and Mali to the UN, was held under the theme “Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership”. The UN General Assembly proclaimed October 7 as World Cotton Day through Resolution 75/318, recognising cotton’s role in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s association of cotton and the spinning wheel with self-reliance and dignity. He called for stronger support for producers, improved market access, sustainable practices and greater use of technology and international partnerships.
Mali’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Issa Konfourou, underlined cotton’s importance to his country’s economy and rural livelihoods. He identified limited processing capacity, high input costs and market access constraints as key challenges, while welcoming partnerships with India and other countries.
Indian MPs Asit Kumar Mal and L. K. Sudhish highlighted how traditional crafts and textile manufacturing can generate employment and add value to cotton. Mal cited Kantha embroidery in West Bengal as an example of craftsmanship supporting women’s livelihoods and resource efficiency. Sudhish highlighted Tamil Nadu’s cotton knitwear industry, small enterprises and textile infrastructure, including the PM MITRA initiative.
Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, outlined India’s initiatives to improve cotton productivity, quality and traceability, including the Mission for Cotton Productivity and Kasturi Cotton Bharat.
Representatives from several countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Cotton Advisory Committee also discussed support for smallholders and artisans, improved processing capacity, technology adoption and stronger international partnerships.
The event concluded with a hands-on demonstration of Pen Kalamkari on cotton by an Indian master artisan, showcasing the country’s traditional textile crafts.
