The Better Cotton Initiative's first Global Impact Report in five years shows improvements in resource usage, carbon footprints, and net income among its member farmers.

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has released its first Global Impact Report in five years, highlighting progress in sustainability and income among farmers participating in its program. The organization's member farmers, who account for nearly 25 percent of global cotton production, reported reductions in synthetic nitrogen, pesticide use, and carbon footprints since joining the initiative.

Sustainability and Income Improvements

Since joining the program, 69 percent of BCI farmers have reduced synthetic nitrogen use per kilogram of cotton, while 65 percent lowered their use of synthetic pesticide active ingredients per hectare. Additionally, 54 percent of farmers decreased their carbon footprint, and 52 percent of fully irrigated farms reduced water usage by an average of 29 percent. Among smallholder farmers, 59 percent reported an increase in net income from cotton production.

2024-2025 Growing Season Results

Data from the 2024-2025 season shows that 61 percent of participating farmers reduced synthetic nitrogen use compared to the previous year, and 49 percent lowered their carbon footprint year-over-year. During this period, BCI partners established at least 19,900 demonstration plots and supported 11,000 bio-input or bio-control centers to provide alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, water stewardship training reached approximately 690,000 farmers and 175,000 workers.

Diversity and Future Targets

The report highlights an increase in women's participation in farming roles, with 17 percent of field facilitation and producer unit management positions now held by women, up from 9 percent five years ago. BCI has set a 2030 target for 100 percent of its licensed farmers to have improved their soil health.