The Organic Cotton Accelerator held its highly anticipated kick-off workshop to begin the 2024-25 season this past April 23 and 24 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The session brought together members of the OCA team and 22 organisations from across the five Indian states where OCA operates, including current and prospective Implementing Partners (IPs) and Spinners.
At OCA, Implementing Partners are organisations which provide on-ground support, local knowledge, and capacity-building for the cotton growers. OCA’s Farm Programme facilitates connections between Implementing Partners and a broad network of buyers, including Brands and Retailers, along with opportunities for peer learning, best practice sharing and advocacy efforts to improve operations and enhance collective impact.
The workshop presented an opportunity for OCA to review Farm Programme insights from the previous season and address outcomes, challenges, and strategic plans for the upcoming season. The discussion also focused on key changes in processes to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
″Sharing our learnings from the 2022-2023 season with our Implementing Partners is crucial. It allows us to analyse gaps, address challenges, and set clear expectations for the new season. This collaborative effort is essential for driving the organic cotton sector forward, and providing opportunity for sharing best practices and cross-learning.″
Peer learning sessions played a crucial role in the workshop. The participants were invited to share their best practices to enhance cross-learning among OCA partners. They presented on various topics, including strategies for maximising seed sustainability in the organic cotton supply chain, community engagement methods and tools, a tech platform providing real-time information on seed distribution, and farmer payment systems focused on procurement and traceability.
The workshop not only provided a platform for reflection and learning but also set the stage for the upcoming season with new systems, pilots, and capacity-building initiatives. By welcoming new Implementing Partners to the platform, OCA fosters a cohesive and collaborative environment.
As the 2024-25 cotton season unfolds, OCA remains committed to supporting farmers on the ground by integrating technology and innovative practices.
