Balanced News: Water and Pesticide Use Cut Nearly in Half After ‘Better Cotton’ Helps Farmers Become Sustainable

A major annual impact report by Better Cotton has shown significant progress in India, with pesticide and water use being cut nearly in half. The report reveals that overall pesticide use decreased by 53%, while water usage dropped by almost one-third. Additionally, costs for enrolled farmers were reduced by 15.6% per hectare of land since the program’s launch in 2011. The report also highlights a decrease in the use of highly hazardous pesticides and a reduction in nitrogen application. Better Cotton aims to further improve sustainable farming practices and deepen its impact in cotton-growing communities.