Pakistan-based textile mill Kay & Emms Pvt Ltd has partnered with the country’s Rural Business Development Center to launch an organic cotton initiative in southern Punjab, with the goal of increasing sustainable agriculture in the region.
The program will include 500 farmers in its initial phase, with plans to expand to 4,000 to 5,000 acres of farmland next year. In growing cotton under organic standards as opposed to traditional methods, the farmers will eliminate the use of potentially polluting fertilizer, as well as genetically modified seeds. Kay & Emms estimates this will reduce water usage by up to 71 percent when compared to conventional practices.
The transition to organic cotton farming is essential for the economic well-being of Pakistani and global communities,” according to the company’s CEO, Khurram Tariq. “This project not only represents a shift in farming practices but also a commitment to sustainable materials that benefit both the planet and the people.”
According data from the Organic Trade Association, organic cotton makes up approximately 0.95 percent of global cotton production. Organic cotton production has increased by 0.8 percent in Pakistan, according to the organization, trailing behind neighboring countries such as India, China, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
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The initiative plays a role in Kay & Emms’ plan to expand organic cultivation Pakistan’s Punjab region, upping production by 5x, and the company also is working to develop a sustainable seed program to address local scarcity of organic cotton seeds.
Headquartered in Faisalabad, the company produces apparel knits for a number of global brands, including JCPenney, PacSun and Colosseum Athletics.
As the program grows, Kay & Emms said it will incorporate blockchain technology to improve traceability from seed to final product.
“We are not just investing in cotton; we are cultivating a better future for our farmers,” Moazzam Tariq, the group’s director, said. “This initiative will provide essential education and resources, empowering farmers with sustainable practices that yield long-term benefits.”